A BLUNDER by the score keepers of the Vodafone Super Deans quarter-finals almost had a team wrongfully denied a place in the semi-finals.
The under-18 quarter-final match between Cuvu College and Ratu Kadavulevu School ended in confusion as both teams celebrated at the final whistle during the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union competition at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday.
Cuvu College had won the match 23-22 but the officials announced a 20-22 score line in favour of RKS.
“They didn’t record a penalty try as seven, they recorded it as five,” Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union president Jone Kanalagi explained.
The executives of FSSRU had a thorough discussion with the score keepers afterwards, as Kanalagi came storming in demanding an explanation.
“After the announcement, we reviewed the score sheet and noted the error. The executives are with the recorders to make sure that it doesn’t happen again,” Kanalagi added.
Kanalagi told the score keepers to refrain from announcing the scores if they were not sure.
When the announcement was made, that RKS had won, some players of Cuvu were on their knees crying.
The supporters of RKS and the players were on their feet celebrating, however, this was short-lived as the officials overturned the decision.
“The confusion was, we had secured a penalty try, but the officials never counted the two points.
“A penalty try is a straight seven, as we all know. We quickly went to address the scores and we are glad that it went in our favour,” Cuvu College assistant coach Samisoni Navatu stated.
A reliable source told Times Sport that RKS had kicked the ball out, after they were informed by the officials at the ground that they were leading.
FSSRU vice-president Biu Colati was seen talking to the score keepers in the control room after the match.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro had stated prior to the quarter-finals that officials must be transparent and fair in handling the games.
RKS is on a media ban and did not comment on the issue.
