Bulileka College (BC) defied all odds as they fought back to hold Vashist Muni College (VMC) 2-2 in the Courts Inter District Championship’s Secondary Schools Under-19 clash at Buckhurst Park, Suva yesterday.

BC coach Ranjan Sharma said it was a big challenge for his players to play 90-minute football for the first time.

“It took us time to settled down,” he said.

“The ground surface was uneven and we could not control the ball the way we had wanted.

“Also, we played against the wind in the first spell.”

VMC took the lead in the 27th minute when striker Vyas Prasad scored from a free-kick.

Impressive for VMC was midfielder, Shivnil Prakash, as he had the BC defenders in sixes and sevens every time he had the ball.

The Navua-based school then increased their lead early in the second spell when Dipesh Maharaj tapped in an easy goal from a free kick after BC goalkeeper Keni Masivono had dropped the ball.

Then disaster struck for VMC when tough defender Ratu Roseru copped his second yellow card and was given the marching orders.

This ignited BC’s campaign as they mounted wave of attacks with captain and central midfielder Apisai dictating play.

Their continuous pressure paid off in the 63rd minute when defender Tevita Rabali scored from a corner kick.

With Sharma barking instructions from the bench, BC never gave up and striker Ratu Labalaba slotted in the equaliser from a planned move.

“We take on Nadi Muslim College tomorrow and they are not an easy team as they have a few national youth reps with them but we’ll give our best,” Sharma added.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

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