Queen Victoria School displayed a performance of champions as they bagged their 25th Vodafone Super Deans trophy in an electric final last night.
The defending champions took the coveted trophy back to Matavatucou following a 27-13 win over Nasinu Secondary School.
Coming into the final with a lot of expectations on their shoulders, QVS proved why they are not new to this level of competition with two quick tries to set a solid foundation. Hooker Waisake Vakacere and number eight Ratu Epeli Roseruvakula put their bodies on the line to score the two tries.
Nasinu, with the size disadvantage, played smart and responded with two successful penalties to Samuela Rogoci.
With the gap closing to 6-12, QVS made sure they were not within reach at halftime with fullback Nathan Stephens adding another penalty. QVS led 15-6 at the break.
It was game on in the second spell when Ilaitia Rakuro scored for QVS, only for Nasinu to respond at a crucial moment from a set-piece play through Sionasa Verenasau.
At 13-20 Nasinu needed another converted try to at least level the scores but the defending champions had other plans with individual efforts and support play, giving Asaeli Gade the perfect chance to dive in the corner.
QVS head coach Josaia Waiwalu can pride himself in his team’s defence amongst all things that stood tall last night.
“In secondary schools rugby we focus a lot on attack but we fail to cover the defensive side of it. Most of our boys are big in size and we realise that one way in ensuring that no team passes our scoreline is based on our defence,” he said.
As the game was nearing full-time, the old scholars of QVS seated at the grandstand graciously sang their school song signifying another victory.
Maleli Nauvasi was named the best player of the final. The team also takes home $7000 in prize money.
Looking at other results, Ratu Kadavulevu School won the U14 title beating Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School 22-8, Suva Grammar School scooped the U15 and 16 titles overcoming Marist Brothers High School 31-24 and 29-12 over Lelean Memorial School respectively. In the U17 grade, RKS edged Marist 35-35 while Lami High School created history with a 20-19 victory over QVS.
In the Weet-Bix Raluve competition, Sigatoka Methodist College defended their U16 title with a 20-0 thrashing of Niusawa Methodist High School.
