SUVA Grammar School (SGS) has quickly shifted its attention to the Vodafone Deans Under-18 national elimination rounds after successfully defending its Southern Zone Secondary Schools Rugby Union title.
The defending champion edged Nasinu Secondary School 29-22 in Saturday’s final to retain their regional crown, giving the side valuable momentum heading into the next stage of the competition.
Team manager Evia Turaganivalu said the players were emotional after the victory and credited their success to faith and the commitment shown throughout the season.
“The team is a bit emotional now and we give back all the glory to God,” she said.
“He has been the main strength that has been pushing this team forward and for today we would like to thank Him and give back the glory and honour to Him for His blessings upon this team.”
Despite the achievement, Turaganivalu said the team would remain focused as they prepare for the national challenge.
“We’ll just take each day as it comes and continue with our preparation.”
SGS will now face Northern Zone fourth-placed side Ratu Luke Secondary School at midday on Saturday at either at Buckhurst Grounds or Suva Grammar grounds in the Vodafone Deans U18 national elimination round. In other U18 national elimination fixtures, Eastern Zone champions Lelean Memorial School will face Marist Brothers High School at midday at Saint Vincent College ground in Natovi, while Ratu Kadavulevu School will take on Ratu Sukuna Memorial School at 1.30pm. The Western Zone eliminations at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka will see Ba Provincial Freebird Institute face Queen Victoria School at 10am, followed by Cuvu College against St John’s College at 1pm.
In the Southern Zone, Nasinu Secondary School will meet Holy Cross College at midday, while the North Zone eliminations at Ganilau Park in Savusavu will see Shri Guru Nanak Khalsa College face Ratu Navula College before Navatu Secondary School takes on Ra High School.
With the regional stage complete, SGS will now focus on building towards the national quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of another Vodafone Deans U18 title.
