THE West Zone has created history in the Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Super Deans competition after all four of its U18 teams secured places in next week’s quarter-finals.
For the first time, four U18 schools from the West have qualified for the national quarter-finals, marking a significant achievement for the zone and highlighting the strength of secondary school rugby in the country.
Ba Provincial Freebird Institute booked their place in dramatic fashion after drawing 29-all with defending champions Queen Victoria School (QVS) at Lawaqa Park yesterday. The match was decided under competition rules, with Ba Provincial awarded the win after scoring the first try of the match.
Joining them in the quarter-finals is Cuvu College, who produced a dominant display against St John’s College Cawaci, recording an impressive 55-7 victory. Cuvu’s commanding performance showcased their attacking ability and determination as they continue their unbeaten run in the competition.
Ra High School also secured qualification after defeating Navatu Secondary School 41-8, while Ratu Navula College completed the West Zone’s historic achievement with a 27-13 victory over Shri Guru Nanak Khalsa College.
West Zone Rugby secretary Cabealawa Koto said the achievement was a proud moment for the zone and a reflection of the hard work put in by the schools, players, coaches and management teams.
“We are happy and overwhelmed with these results. It has been a great effort from these schools.
“Congratulations to all the teams. We are proud of what they have achieved, and we now look forward to the quarter-finals next week, ” Koto said.
The milestone achievement comes after months of preparation, commitment and competition among schools in the West, with the four teams now carrying the hopes of the zone into the national stage.
The other schools to make the U18 quarter-finals include Lelean Memorial School and Ratu Kadavulevu School from the Eastern Zone while Nasinu Secondary School and Suva Grammar School from the Southern Zone complete the line-up.
The quarter-finals of the competition will be played next Saturday.
