SUVA Grammar School hooker Viliame Daurua produced a powerful performance in the No. 2 jersey, scoring a hat-trick to help end the school’s 21-year wait for Vodafone Super Deans under-18 glory.
The Kadavu-born front-rower was a dominant figure as Grammar overwhelmed Lelean Memorial School 36-21 in the finals at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday.
Daurua’s impact was felt from the opening exchanges as Grammar’s powerful forward pack laid the platform for victory.
After Avanua Tevita opened the scoring in the fourth minute, Daurua barged over for his first try before crossing again to complete a double and help Grammar establish a 19-7 halftime lead.
Lelean fought back strongly after the break, closing the gap to 19-14, but Daurua once again answered the challenge.
He crossed for his third try to complete his hat-trick and restore Grammar’s momentum before captain Waisale Bolakoro and Saula Koroi added further tries.
Daurua’s three-try performance earned him the Best Player award, capping a memorable campaign for the young hooker.
“First of all, I want to give thanks to the Almighty for giving me the strength, the strides and every throw that I did,” Daurua said.
“This Best Player award, I want to dedicate this Best Player award to my dad and my mom for supporting me throughout my journey, which was a hard season.”
For the Kadavu-born forward, the individual award was made even more special by the journey behind it and the sacrifices made by his parents throughout the season.
Daurua’s performance was also symbolic of Grammar’s triumph, with the school’s forwards dominating the collisions and providing the foundation for a six-tries-to-three victory.
Grammar captain Waisale Bolakoro credited their historic triumph to the guidance and influence of coach Epeli Osbourne, who was himself a Deans winner during his playing days.
Bolakoro said Osbourne’s experience and knowledge of what it takes to win the Deans title inspired the team throughout their campaign.
“He was a Deans winner himself, so he knew what it took to get us here,” Bolakoro said.
“He believed in us, and we believed in him. This win is for our school, our parents, our old scholars and everyone who supported us.”
