Queen Victoria School are the new Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League U19 champions after defeating rivals Ratu Kadavulevu School 28-26 in a thrilling final at 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba yesterday.
QVS crossed for three tries through Josua Naitini, captain Isikeli Bari and Anare Vakarautaki while Bari added two conversions for a comfortable 16-6 halftime lead.
RKS managed their only first-half points through a try to Eroni Vinau with Ratu Eliki Seniloli converting.
The second half however belonged to the Delainakaikai boys as RKS regrouped strongly and launched a spirited comeback.
The crowd erupted every time the Eels crossed the line as they kept themselves in the contest with tries to Kevirieli Raibenubenu, Amani Sarasau, Jone Salusalunitoga and Jovesa Korovulavula.
Seniloli added two conversions as RKS piled pressure on QVS in the dying stages.
But QVS refused to surrender their lead.Joseph Vadei and Simione Ramasei both crossed in the second spell while Bari maintained his composure with two valuable conversions that eventually proved the difference.
The presence of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, also a proud QVS old boy, added extra motivation for the side as they held on bravely for the narrow victory.
QVS captain Isikeli Bari praised his teammates for staying calm under pressure.
“I told the boys to remain focused and keep working to our next job.
“I thank RKS for a good tough match. They fought back strongly in the second half but I reminded the boys to hold on,” Bari said.
