STIFF competition was witnessed at the Vodafone Fiji Secondary School Rugby League (FSSRL) national semi-final matches held at King Charles Park in Nadi last week.
And more tough games ahead as the competition narrows down to the best teams meeting at national finals this week.
FSSRL media officer, Lai Corerega said the semi-final competition was tough that there were two matches that ended in sudden death during the competition.
He said the U15 game between the Sigatoka Methodist Storms and the Ba Methodist Saints ended at 6-6 at full-time.
The teams played extra time but there was no try.
“Ba Methodist Saints were awarded with the win since they had scored the first try, according to the FSSRL competition rules,” he said.
“Similarly, the U17 match between the Queen Victoria School (QVS) Knights and the Ba Pro Dragons also went into sudden death with the points of 10-10 at full-time.
“After the sudden death, the QVS Knights were awarded the win because they had scored the first try.”
For the other U17 match, Mr Corerega said the Marist Stoms had a narrow last-minute win against the West favourites, the Natabua Bulldogs.
“In the U19 grade, the Nasinu Panthers, one of the pioneers of schoolboys’ rugby league in Fiji played smart rugby against the Naitasiri warriors but it was the impact players for Naitasiri that created the upset – securing their position in the finals.
“The match between the Ra High Roosters and the Ba Pro Dragon was a tough one too.
“It was a closely contested game as the teams were equally matched.”
Also playing their heart out during the Pherrus Trophy national semi-finals were the schoolgirl teams.
“In the schoolgirls’ competition, the Wainimala Raiders found it a challenge to play against a sporting giant school like Jasper, who had speed and elusive abilities.
“The Wainimala Raiders on the other hand had strength and endurance and they capitalised on their forwards and strong defence to win the match in the end.
“I commend the team captains of the Pherrus Trophy Competition for their leadership throughout the season.
“Experience plays a pivotal role in any schoolgirls team success to prepare for the national finals.”
He thanked the FSSRL major sponsors Vodafone Fiji and Pherrus Finance Services for their support.
“I thank the FSSRL loyal fans and supporters too, we appreciate the support from old scholars and schools’ management as well.
“We also thank the Momo Na Tui Nawaka and the vanua for blessing the FSSRL competition as its being held in Nadi.”
