FIJI Secondary Schools Rugby League best player of the under-19 grand final Josefa Gaunavinaka said there was no sweeter way to remember winning the 2021 Vodafone Trophy, than doing so alongside his twin brother.
The twins immediately looked for each other for a brotherly embrace after the last play of the grand final at the ANZ Stadium where they beat favourites Ratu Kadavulevu School Eels by 12 points to 8.
“It is a moment I will remember forever,” said Josefa.
“Naibuka and I drive each other to be the best, and I like to say he is a stronger player than me.
“But today(yesterday) we can celebrate as with the team we have won the school our fifth title, and we can only thank the Almighty for that.”
The young highlanders from Nakorovatu Village in Waima, Naitasiri said the team had dug deep against an RKS team that had a huge reputation and stuck to what they had been taught in training.
“We worked hard as a team, and played our own game.
“We respect our comrades from Lodoni they gave us a good fight until the final whistle, but we have come out as champions and this win is for the school our families, friends and all the supporters who have supported us all the way.”
The two sides were locked at four points each after Panthers centre Josua Naoka and Eels halfback Iosefo Salele scored a try each, both unconverted.
The blue machine stepped up in the first half with right centre Mosese Volavola nailing a penalty before substitute forward Epineri Ragigia sealed the deal with another try also converted by Volavola. Eels left centre Clement Garnett scored a late try for the side but it was all too little too late.
Teams:
RKS Eels line-up: 1.Joeli Baleilevuka 2.Clement Garnett 3.Lemeki Delasau 4.Ropate Tuigunu 5.Kameli Waqamate 6.Iosefo Salele 7.Pita Korovulavula 8.Motikiai Murray 9.Naisa Toko 10.Atunaisa Qerebaleisuva 11.Sakiusa Tuwai 12.Sireli Kalokalo 13.Manasa Mailalaga interchange: 14.Inoke Nakelo 15.Emosi Natubailagi 16.Samuela Rokotuira 17.Josaia Dawai 18.Marika Turagaiviu 19.Maika Selena 20.Maikeli Naulivou
Nasinu Panthers line-up: 1.Sailasa Tuivanualevu 2.Josaia Naoka 3.Ratu Peceli Tuisese 4.Lorosio Civoniceva 5.Mosese Volavola 6.Tevita Lutumailagi 7.Ponipate Komai 8.Anitelu Manuapai 9.Josateki Savou 10.Lenaitasi Tuivaga 11.Naibuka Gaunavinaka 12.Josefa Gaunavinaka 13.Maikali Kilioni interchange: 14.Tiamrate Teingira 15.Kinijoji 16.Epineri Ragigia 17.Setareki Galivia 18.Paula Tikoicina 19.Waisea Naucukidi 20.Mitieli Tokalau
