Navatu Secondary School carried the hopes of the North on its shoulders and delivered when it mattered most, defeating Queen Victoria School 19-12 in the fourth match of the day to emerge as the region’s lone victor in the Vodafone Deans Northern Zone Qualifiers at Ratu Ganilau Park in Savusavu yesterday.
While the remaining five Northern schools fell to their visiting opponents from the Southern, Eastern and Western zones, Navatu’s gritty Under-19 triumph ensured the home crowd had a result to celebrate.
For Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Northern Zone president Rupeni Vulaca, the results told only part of the story.
“It has been a great learning experience for our management because this is the first time we have hosted a Deans qualifier,” Vulaca said.
“The quality of rugby and the level of coaching displayed by the visiting teams showed us where we need to improve. That’s why coach development has been a major focus of our five-year strategic plan since last year.”
Vulaca said significant progress had already been made, with most Northern coaches now holding World Rugby Level Two coaching accreditation and several advancing to Level Three.
“Our target is to have all our coaches attain Level Three accreditation within the next three years because better coaching will ultimately produce better players.”
The atmosphere around Ratu Ganilau Park was equally significant, with supporters travelling from Cakaudrove, Macuata, Bua, Taveuni and neighbouring islands to cheer on their schools. Their colourful presence created one of the most vibrant scenes the competition has witnessed in the North.
Many parents and supporters also welcomed the opportunity to host the qualifiers, saying teams from other zones were finally experiencing the long journeys Northern supporters have endured for years to watch their sons and daughters compete.
In the day’s other qualifier results, Nasinu Secondary School beat Holy Cross College 29-5 (U15), Lelean Memorial School defeated Saint Bedes College 17-10 (U16), Marist Brothers High School overcame Batinikama College 20-14 (U17), Ratu Nauvula College defeated Shri Guru Nanak College 27-13 (U18), and Ra High School thrashed Navatu Secondary School 41-8 (U18).
