It was a double celebration and great memories in 2001 for former Suva Grammar School rugby player Sikipio Fihaki, as their under-19 team won their first Deans Trophy, defeating Ratu Kadavulevu School 34-10 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
It was a moment that Fihaki cherishes until today, especially as he was named Man of the Match in that momentous game.
Now at 43-years-old and a business owner of Niu Grillz, Fihaki looks back on his rugby journey as the most memorable years of his life.
He started playing rugby at a young age, winning his first U13 title for Suva Grammar.
After a brief three-year break to pursue athletics, he represented Fiji at international events and returned to rugby in 2000.
Joining the U17 and U18 team, he eventually became a key player in the underdog Suva Grammar U19 team that went on to win the Deans Trophy.
Reflecting on their journey to the final, Fihaki rememberd facing dominant teams like Lelean Memorial School.
“When I joined the U19 team we played in the quarter-final, we defeated Lelean it was a big achievement for us, Lelean was the only team to beat they were big and fast.
“Lelean and RKS was the dominant rugby schools at that time, our school was coming in as underdogs, Suva Grammar has never won a Deans Trophy.
“We also had a great player in our team, few of our players made it in the Fiji team later like Anthony Wise, Wame Lewaravu, Manoa Vosawai, Sakiusa Matadigo, and I was glad playing along side them.”
Fihaki attributes their success to strong team unity, fitness, and the guidance of their coaches, including Koli Sewabu.
“In the Deans final it was something we could not get back, it was a blessing that we were a great team, powerful team, and because of that team we were able to win the Deans.
“Training back then was the basics, we had good coaches like Koli Sewabu he was one of our coaches he taught us to read the game from beginning to the end, training schedules were almost like the Fiji team.
“For me I believe I was the fittest at that time, things I can do then now I can’t do it, so we can tell the level of training we went through.”
Winning the Man of the Match award in the Deans final was a special moment for Fihaki, but he is quick to credit his teammates for their collective effort and success.
“To win the man of the match trophy was overwhelming, yes, we won the Deans nothing can other throw that, and winning the man of the match was something special for me.
“Nothing could have been done without the team, it was a team’s effort and I’m so glad to be part of the that special moment.”
Fihaki expresses gratitude for the unforgettable memories and camaraderie shared with his teammates and coaches during that championship season.
The lessons learned on the rugby field, the friendships formed, and the joy of victory remain vivid in his memory.