The Vodafone West Secondary School Deans rugby semi-finals will kickoff this Saturday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, with the spotlight on the Raluve Under-16 and 18 girls’ grades, which will be played on Ground One.
West Secondary Schools Rugby Association president Jovesa Saqali said this decision is part of their effort to promote equality and provide better facilities for the female teams.
“This year, we have given the two Raluve grades U16 and U18 the opportunity to play on Ground One to give them privileged treatment and better access to the changing rooms,” Saqali said.
He added that this move reflects the importance of treating the girls’ teams with equal respect and also acknowledges their strong performances at the national level.
“The West currently holds the trophy for both Raluve U16 and U18 teams,” he said.
“We believe that if we treat them well here at the zonal meet, they will do well in the nationals. We are expecting a tough and good competition come Saturday.”
Sigatoka Methodist College are the defending champions in the Raluve U16 grade, while Natabua High School are the current title holders in the Raluve U18 division.
In the main Deans U18 boys’ playoffs, Natabua High School will take on Ra High School at 2:10pm, followed by what is expected to be a thrilling showdown at 3:30pm between Ratu Navula College and Cuvu College.
“It will be another exciting show from Cuvu College,” Saqali added.
All winners from Saturday’s games will progress to the national quarterfinals.
In the Raluve U16 semi-finals, Sigatoka Methodist College faces Jasper Williams High School, while St. Teresa College goes up against Votualevu College. In the Raluve U18 grade, DAV College meets Jasper Williams High School, while Sigatoka Methodist College will battle Natabua High School for a place in the final.
The Deans U15 semi-finals will see Tavua College clash with Ratu Navula College, and Sigatoka Methodist College go up against Natabua High School. In the U16 grade, Sigatoka Methodist College plays Natabua High School, while Ba Methodist High School faces Ratu Navula College.
The U17 semi-finals will feature Xavier College taking on Ba Provincial Freebird Institute, while Ba Methodist High School plays Natabua High School. In the U19 category, Xavier College meets Ratu Navula College, and Nadroga Navosa Provincial will face Ba Provincial Freebird Institute.
“It will be an exciting day of rugby, and we wish all teams the very best,” Saqali said.
