A last-minute try saw Nasinu Secondary School under-17 rugby league team escaoe the jaws of defeat as they edged Naitasiri Secondary School 14-12 in a tense Southern/Eastern divisional clash at St. Marcellin Primary School grounds yesterday.
With the win, Nasinu secures a spot in next Saturday’s zonal quarter-finals, a crucial step in their bid to establish dominance in secondary school rugby league.
Team captain Uliano Logalaca Radrodro admitted that while their performance was strong, areas like defence and ball handling still need work.
“We need to improve our team chemistry on and off the field. The boys have to turn up for training especially those who have been missing sessions,” Radrodro said.
He highlighted the importance of discipline, noting that how players conduct themselves in school translates to their performance on the field.
“The disciplinary issues that some boys might have in class will also affect them in the game, so we will regroup and address what we need to work on as a team,” he added.
Radrodro, who played in the U16 grade last year, remains focused on leading his team through the knockout stages.
“Our coach told us this year will be a good one for the school. Our target is to put Nasinu in a strong position in this sport,” he said.
In other U17 matches, Marist Brothers High School triumphed over Noco Secondary School with a 24-10 victory, Namosi Secondary School narrowly defeated Dudley High School 14-6 and Nabua High School emerged victorious against Lomary Secondary School winning 14-8.
In the U15 category, MGM dominated Saint Vincent College 14-0, Gospel High School shut out Ratu Sukuna Memorial School 18-0, Vashist Muni defeated Suva Sangam 10-6 and Naitasiri secured a 12-4 win over Lami.
In U19 action, Bua College narrowly beat Nabua Secondary 14-10 and Lami Secondary School came out on top with an 8-6 win over Lomary Secondary School.
Next Saturday will see the elimination round for U15 and zonal quarters for the U17 and 19 grades.
