LOMARY Secondary School has turned a stunning semi-final performance into a place in the Weetbix Raluve under-18 final, defeating Sila Central College 24-10 in a powerful display of determination at the HFC Bank National Stadium in Suva on Saturday.
With the biggest prize of their campaign within reach, the Lomary girls rose to the occasion when it mattered most, producing the performance that has carried them one step away from championship glory.
The 24-10 victory was more than just a win. It was a statement from a team that has grown together throughout the competition and now finds itself on the biggest stage of the Raluve U18 championship.
Captain Ema Leba Gade admitted the occasion was overwhelming, but said her team remained composed enough to deliver.
“It was so loud and overwhelming. We played so good, but I would say that we will go back and work on our weaknesses and come back in the finals and have a good play time,” Gade said.
For Lomary, however, there is little time to celebrate.
The captain said the team was ready for whatever challenge awaits in the final.
“We are looking forward to any team that we will play against in the finals.”
Gade believes the foundation for their breakthrough run was laid through hard preparation and the unity within the squad.
“The preparation was hard, I could say, because we came in and won our semi-finals. We have achieved a very good result,” she said.
She reserved special praise for her teammates, whose togetherness has become one of Lomary’s greatest strengths.
“I am so grateful for the girls that stick together, work together and the bond of the team that we have achieved.”
Next week Saturday, Lomary stands 70 minutes away from history. Standing in their way in the final will be Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School, setting the stage for a mouth-watering showdown between two teams with the Raluve U18 crown firmly in their sights.
For Lomary, Saturday’s victory was the breakthrough.
The final is where they must finish the job.
