Defending Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League under-19 champions Naitasiri Secondary School has once again shown why they are the team to beat this season.
The highlanders delivered a powerful performance yesterday, thrashing Nasikawa Vision College 32-12 in their quarterfinal clash to secure a spot in next week’s semi-final.
Despite just finishing two intense days of competition at the Triple N Zone athletics meet, Naitasiri came out firing with physicality and ruthless execution in both attack and defence.
Led by their explosive finishers, including Triple N Blue Ribbon champion Rupeni Caucaunibuca, the team kept the pressure on the Sigatoka-based side, breaking through their defence with ease to score multiple tries.
Most of this Naitasiri squad have been playing together since their U17 days, and that chemistry was on full display.
Many of them started playing together when they were just 16, and their bond and understanding on the field is now stronger than ever.
Team captain Taniela Mudunasaki credited their journey to faith and discipline.
“This journey, we just must have faith in the Lord,” Mudunasaki said.
“As defending champions, we know we must believe in God and let Him lead us. Last year, we only won in the last minute of the final. This time, we don’t want it to come down to that again.”
In the Under-15 results, Marist Storm defeated Sigatoka Valley 26-2, Lautoka Central Storms edged out Vashist Muni Sea Eagles 16-12, Sigatoka Methodist Saints caused an upset by beating Nasinu Panthers 12-8, while MGM Dragons proved too strong for Drasa Rams with a 28-6 win.
Quarter-final Results:
U19: Naitasiri Secondary School 32–12 Nasikawa Vision College, Ba Pro Dragons 26–10 Nasinu Panthers, Ra Roosters 30–22 QVS Knights, RKS Eels 28–10 Nadroga Navosa
U17: Ba Pro Dragons 22–12 Naitasiri Warriors, Sigatoka Valley Cowboys 14–4 Lelean Bati, Marist Storm 20–18 Ba Methodist, Ra High Roosters 26 – 10 Nasinu Panthers.
The semi-finals will be held at Garvey Park in Tavua next Saturday.
