The Ra High Roosters side created the biggest upset in the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League Vodafone Trophy competition after they defeated under-19 champions RKS Eels 16-6 in the quarter-finals at the Prince Charles Park in Nadi yesterday.
The side from Rakiraki led 8-nil at the break. Eels vice-captain Sekove Vatuloka said in a game of rugby, one team will win and the other will lose, and unfortunately it was not their day.
“I thank the boys for their effort but we could not make it despite giving our best,” he said.
Vatuloka said they tried to make a comeback in the second spell and crossed over for a try, however, it was not enough against a determined Roosters side.
Sevanaia Tovuto, captain of Ra Roosters, acknowledged their teachers and the team’s supporters for backing them for the all-important clash.
“Before we went on the field today, I told the boys to believe in themselves, to get the job done against the defending champions,” he said.
“We would like to go all the way to the final and win it. Given what all we have achieved today, we need to be humble and prepare well for the semi-finals,” added Tovuto.
Results
U19 – Ba Pro Dragons 20-4 QVS Knights, Nasinu Panthers 28-10 Sigatoka Methodist Storm, Naitasiri Warriors 42-12 Ba Methodist Saints, Ra Roosters 16-6 RKS Eels. U17 – Marist Storms 26-7 Sigatoka Valley Cowboys, QVS Knights 16-9 Ba Methodist Saints, Ba Provincial Free Bird Institute 24-0 Vashist Muni College. U15 – QVS Knights 24-6 Sigatoka Valley Cowboys, Sigatoka Methodist Saints 8-6 Nasinu Panthers, Ba Methodist Saints 22-10 Lelean Bati, Nasau Central Panther 14-12 Nabua Broncos.
