The Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Western Zone finals concluded successfully yesterday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, sealing the top two teams from the region to advance to the national Deans and Raluve competitions.
In the Deans competition, Ratu Navula College dominated the U14 grade with a commanding 40-10 victory over Nadi Muslim College.
The U15 grade saw a tightly contested battle, with Natabua High School edging Ba Methodist High School 17-11.
Meanwhile, in the U16 grade, Cuvu College overcame a spirited challenge from Ratu Navula College to claim the title.
The U17 final provided an electrifying finish as Ba Methodist High School snatched victory in the dying moments, defeating Sigatoka Methodist High School 24-22.
In the U18 grade, Ba Provincial High School and Cuvu College emerged as the top two teams from the Western Zone and were joined yesterday by Ratu Navula College and Ra High School to progress to the national top 16 playoffs.
The Raluve competition also delivered thrilling encounters, with Sigatoka Methodist High School putting on a clinical display to beat Saint Theresa College 38-15 in the U16 grade. Jasper Williams High School claimed the U18 title in a nail-biting finish, overcoming Natabua High School 20-19.
The U18 Raluve final was held at Prince Charles Park in Lautoka as the curtain-raiser for the Super Rugby W semi-final clash between the Fijian Drua Women and the Queensland Reds Women.
Western Zone President Peniona Ranitu praised the unity among executives, schools, and families, saying it was key to another successful competition for the western schools.
Reflecting on the finals, Ranitu expressed confidence in the region’s readiness to shine at the nationals.
“Looking at the finals, I’m confident that our Western Schools are ready to showcase our western rugby style at the national level,” he said.
Since the Deans competition’s main grade was lowered from U19 to U18, Ratu Navula College remains the last Western school to lift the prestigious title.
Should another Western U18 school reach the finals this year, the zone is prepared and eager to host the national finals.
