THE race for the Vodafone Deans Southern Zone title is set to intensify as schools enter the knockout stages, with the region’s top rugby contenders preparing for a crucial weekend of quarter-final action.
The Under-18 grade, which remains the premier division of the competition, will move directly into the semi-finals stage next weekend, with only five schools competing in the top grade this year.
While the senior division awaits its semi-finalist, the lower grades will take centre stage tomorrow as schools battle for a place in the next round of the competition.
Suva Grammar School, Marist Brothers High School and Nasinu Secondary School have emerged as the leading forces in this year’s Southern Zone Deans competition, with each school qualifying four teams across the various grades.
All boys’ Round 6 and quarter-final matches will be played at the Suva Grammar Grounds, with teams expected to battle for crucial wins as they look to keep their Deans campaigns alive.
The U17 quarter-final will feature four exciting clashes, with Nasinu Secondary School facing Suva Grammar School, Gospel High School meeting Ratu Simione Matanitobua College, Naitasiri Secondary School taking on Lomary Secondary School, and Marist Brothers High School battling Ratu Latiniara College.
In the U16 grade, Suva Grammar School will face Lami High School, Dudley High School takes on Marist Brothers High School, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School meets Nabua Secondary School, while Church College Fiji battles Nasinu Secondary School.
The U15 quarterfinal will see Assemblies of God High School go up against Suva Grammar School, while the U14 competition continues with round 6 matches featuring Mahtama Gandhi Memorial School against Dudley High School and Suva Grammar School against Marist Brothers High School.
The U19 competition will also continue with Round 6 action, with Suva Grammar School meeting Nasinu Secondary School while Namosi Secondary School will go up against Assemblies of God High School.
Meanwhile, the girls’ U15 quarterfinals will be played at Veiuto Ground, with Nasinu Secondary School facing Dudley High School, Gospel meeting Christian Mission Fellowship Secondary School, and Ratu Simione Matanitobua College taking on Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School.
