LESSONS were learned, and belief remains unshaken for the Gospel Saints Under-15 side after their hard-fought final against RKS Eels during the Vodafone Southern Eastern Zones Secondary Schools Rugby League competition at the St Marcelin Ground in Suva over the weekend.
Team manager Agnes Wye reflected on a campaign that saw the young Saints go unbeaten through the pool games before falling short in the final — a result she believes will only strengthen the team heading into the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League quarter-finals.
“The boys have worked hard. We came undefeated throughout our pool games until the finals, and it has been a big learning experience for us,” she said.
In what was their first-ever appearance in a zone final, the occasion proved both challenging and inspiring for the Gospel High School side, many of whom were facing top-level opposition for the first time.
“It was a good game. Some of the boys were disheartened because it’s the first time we’ve lost, but they encouraged each other knowing we still have another round — the national quarter-finals.”
Wye said the focus now shifts to correcting mistakes and building confidence ahead of their historic first appearance at the national level.
She praised the squad’s commitment, highlighting the unity shown both on and off the field.
Support from families, the school community, and fellow students has also been a driving force behind the team’s success.
“Our parents have been tremendous, along with our Under-16 and Under-17 teams. They’ve supported us at training and every Saturday during games. A big vinaka vakalevu to them all.”
With history already made, Wye believes there is more to come.
“We’re heading into our first national quarter-finals next week (this week), and the boys will try their best to make another piece of history.”
She called on the wider Gospel High School community to rally behind the team.
For a team that has already exceeded expectations, the journey is far from over and the Saints are determined to rise again.
