THE race for the Vodafone Super Deans Trophy has reached the knockout stage, with secondary schools across Fiji confirming their places in the national quarter-finals after another thrilling weekend of rugby action.
In the premier Under-18 grade, southern giants Suva Grammar School once again stamped their authority with a commanding playoff performance to secure a quarter-final berth. They will be joined by Nasinu Secondary School, who edged out their opponents in a hard-fought encounter to keep their title hopes alive.
The Southern Zone qualifiers are;
• Under-14: Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School (MGM), Suva Grammar School (SGS), Nasinu Secondary School (NSS):
• Under-15: SGS, Marist Brothers High School (MBHS), NSS:
• Under-16: MGM, NSS, SGS:
• Under-17: SGS, Gospel High School, MBHS:
• Under-18: SGS, NSS: and
• Under-19: SGS, NSS, Ratu Simione Matanitobua College
In the Eastern Division, unbeaten Lelean Memorial School continued its impressive campaign and will be joined by Ratu Kadavulevu School in the Under-18 national quarter-finals.
Queen Victoria School, Ratu Kadavulevu School and Lelean Memorial School also secured qualification in the Under-14, Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 grades. In the Under-19 division, RKS and Lelean will be joined by Navatu Secondary School.
The Western Division celebrated a significant achievement, with four schools advancing to the Under-18 quarter-finals.
Ra High School, Ba Provincial Freebird Institute, Cuvu College and Ratu Navula College all booked their places after strong performances in the elimination round.
The remaining Western qualifiers are;
• Under-14: Ratu Navula College, Nadi Muslim College:
• Under-15: Natabua High: School, Ba Methodist High School
• Under-16: Cuvu College, Ratu Navula College:
• Under-17: Ba Methodist High School, Sigatoka Methodist College: and
• Under-19: Ratu Navula College, Xavier College.
Meanwhile, the Weet-Bix Raluve Championship Under-16 quarter-finals will feature Adi Cakobau School, St Vincent College, Bucalevu Secondary School, Nabala Secondary School, Nasinu Secondary School, Suva Grammar School, Sigatoka Methodist College and St Theresa’s High School.
The Weet-Bix Raluve Under-18 competition will include Sila Central High School, Adi Cakobau School, St Bedes College, Bucalevu Secondary School, Lomary Secondary School, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School, defending champions Jasper Williams High School and last year’s runners-up Natabua High School.
With traditional powerhouses and emerging challengers still in contention, the stage is set for another electrifying weekend of schools rugby.
Every match now carries added significance as teams battle for a coveted place in the national semi-finals, with months of preparation and sacrifice on the line.
