THE national playoffs of the Fiji Secondary Schools Super Deans competition brought an exciting day of rugby as northern and southern teams clashed for a spot in the next stage at the Suva Grammar School grounds Suva yesterday.
Holy Cross College’s U18 became the highlight of the day, after the side put on an absolute masterclass, nearly pulling off an upset against Nasinu Secondary School before falling short by just a single point. Nasinu won 21-20 in the end.
Meanwhile, the Suva Grammar School (SGS) under-18 team delivered a statement performance with a 50-6 victory over Ratu Luke Secondary School to secure a place in the national quarter-finals of the Vodafone Deans Trophy.
The Southern zone champions dominated from start to finish, running in a series of tries while keeping their opponents scoreless.
Head boy and captain of the side Branden Leo credited the team’s composure and discipline for victory.
“We told the boys to keep calm, no pressure, and just play at our pace,” Leo said.
Despite the victory, Leo said the team was already focused on its next challenge.
“We’ll regroup, talk about the mistakes, improve from here and focus on the national quarter-finals.”
He thanked the coaching staff, parents and supporters for their unwavering support throughout the season and dedicated the victory to everyone who had stood by the team.
The dominant win keeps Suva Grammar’s hopes of lifting this year’s Vodafone Deans Trophy alive as it prepares for a tougher test in the national quarter-finals.
Results from the Suva Grammar School grounds; U16 playoffs: SGS 39 -7 Labasa college, U19 playoffs: Ratu Simione Matanitobua 12-5 Dreketi Central College, U18 playoffs: Nasinu Secondary School 21-20 Holy Cross College, SGS 50-6 Ratu Luke Secondary School.
