LELEAN Memorial School under-17 boys team will focus on discipline and playing smart rugby as they prepare for the national quarter-finals next week in the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League (FSSRL) competition.
This follows their hard-fought 16-14 win over Naitasiri Secondary School in the U17 South Eastern Zone semi-final clash yesterday at St Marcellin grounds in Vatuwaqa.
Lelean head coach Naka Joe Sabo said the team regrouped after last week’s setback and stuck to their game plan to come from behind and seal the win in tough conditions.
“We went back to the drawing board, and I think it was a blessing in disguise,” he said.
“We mellowed down, and we did what we were supposed to do that’s what we showed today.”
He said the key was shutting down Naitasiri’s strong forward pack by moving the ball wide and playing to their strengths.
“All we had to do was spread the ball out. We knew they would come strong with their forwards, so we opened it up and used our speed on the flanks.”
Lelean now tops their division and will take valuable lessons into the national competition, which will be held in the Western Division.
He also thanked the supporters who braved the wet weather, saying their presence made a difference on the field.
In other semi-finals results: Marist Storms U15 defeated defeated Nasinu Panthers 16-10 while Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School thrashed Vashist Muni College 22-0.
In the U17 category, Nasinu Secondary beat MBHS 24-10.
The U19 Tanoa challenge saw Ratu Kadavulevu School come out on top winning the title 12-2 against Queen Victoria School and Naitasiri won the Bati challenge after defeating Nasinu Secondary 6-4.
