Published in The Fiji Times on August 19, 2001
Suva Grammar created history in the secondary schools rugby competition after they thrashed Ratu Kadavulevu School 34-10 to win the Post Fiji Deans Trophy final at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka yesterday.
Led by skipper Kini Saukuru, the Lions thumped Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) 19-3 to win the coveted title for the first time in the history of the competition.
The win gives the Grammarian Lions their first victory in the Under-19 grade in the history of the competition.
Suva Grammar outscored RKS four tries to one to deny the boys from Delainakaikai the chance to take home the prestigious trophy.
RKS last won in 1995 when it was known as the Deans Trophy.
Winning captain Apenisa Tuimabualau said they utilised their key weapon, which was their touch and often unbreakable defence.
Tuimabualevu, who took over from suspended captain Josefa Maitiro said they won because they maintained their strong defence right until the final whistle.
“We knew if we kept our defence tight and kept hitting them with our powerful forward pack, we had the chance to set the platform for a good victory,” he said.
Tuimabualau, a former national basketball rep, said in the second half, they changed tactics to kick possession behind the RKS defence and keep play in opposition territory.
Coach Kuli Naucabalavu was overjoyed with their win, saying his boys played according to their game plan.
“I’m lost for words but the win was due to the boys playing to game-plan we had set out,” Naucabalavu said.
RKS manager Epeli Nabatisila said the huge penalty count against his boys was the cause of their downfall.
“The application of the rules by the referee was confusing to my boys and they never recovered,” Nabatisila said.
He said his boys began to lose concentration as the number of penalties against them took its toll as the game went on.
Referee Sakaraia Vuki said he was sorry for RKS because they were not familiar with the new laws that was used in the final.
Grammar inched ahead 10-3 at half-time.