SACRIFICE, discipline and brotherhood were the driving force behind Queen Victoria School’s dramatic 28-26 victory over rivals Ratu Kadavulevu School in the Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League under-19 final at the 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba on Saturday.
For QVS captain Isikeli Bari, the victory was more than just lifting a trophy.
It was the reward for weeks of sacrifice, commitment and learning to play for one another.
Bari said the team’s message throughout their preparation was centred on love, unity and caring for each other both on and off the field.
“We played together, our message was love and care for each other, look out for one another,” Bari said.
“During our camp our coach reminded us as the sun rises on the final day it will never come back.”
The QVS side showed exactly that spirit during the tense second half when RKS mounted a strong comeback and threatened to snatch the title away.
Despite pressure from the Delainakaikai side and vocal crowd support, QVS stayed composed and held onto their narrow lead.
“We just needed to maintain our discipline,” Bari added.
The Matavatucou boys made major sacrifices during their build-up to the final; they remained in camp at school focused solely on their goal while their school mates went home for the term-end school break.
The captain said the players carried extra responsibility following the school’s recent success in the Coca-Cola Games boys division and wanted to continue the winning momentum for the school community.
“None of us took part in athletics but we were camping in school, sacrificing and showing dedication towards our preparation for the league final.”
