Finishing is something the Queen Victoria School Under-18 side will be working on ahead of the final against Natabua High School in the Vodafone Deans Trophy competition.
This side was held to a 14-all draw against Suva Grammar School in the semi-finals at the HFC Bank Stadium last Saturday.
QVS was awarded the win despite the draw, having scored the first try of the match, as per competition regulations.
Head coach Epeli Kalou said he was proud of the boy’s performance against SGS, but will now focus on their next task where they face Natabua High School in the final this Saturday.
“The boys played very well, holding their line until the last minute,” he said.
Trailing 14-9 to QVS, the boys from Nasese managed to score a try in the last minute to secure the draw.
However, they were unable to convert the try which would have sealed their spot in the final. The Eastern giants will be heading into the finals with zero losses under their belt, and will be the team to beat this weekend.
“Suva Grammar School played well too. They managed to get control of the game in the dying minutes where they scored a try,” Kalou added.
Kalou said he could not describe the feeling he had as he waited on the sideline for SGS to convert their last try.
“It was like a standstill for me, it’s just indescribable.”
With just days left until the showdown, Kalou said there were a couple of areas his side needed to improve on if they were to “go all the way”.
“We need to work on our finishing. The boys started well, but I think they were under a lot of pressure in the dying minutes where they gave away penalties.”
However, he commended his side for their hard work and perseverance on the field against a determined SGS side.
“They did well and I could not be more proud of the boys.” “Now they will have to go back into preparation mode for the finals.”
Kalou thanked all their supporters, fans, and ex-students for taking their time to cheer their team on. “Thank you very much, to all our fans. This win is for you.”
