No Excuse, Says Ratu Navula Coach
It was an uphill battle for the Ratu Navula College Under-18 side when they were walloped 36-5 by Ratu Kadavulevu School in the Powerade Super Deans Championship semifinal yesterday.
Before taking the field, the Ratu Navula College players were relayed the news that some of their school mates and supporters were involved in a morning road accident.
Gracious in defeat RNC coach Filipe Koroitai said despite the loss their faith in God has been the source of their strength.
“I salute RKS for the win, it was a tough game especially when most of the people involved in the accident were closely related to the boys,” Koroitai said.
“Coming into the game it was very hard to get the mindset of the players right especially receiving all these before the game.
“I kept reminding them to forget what had happened and focus on the game before us. They are still young, but that is not an excuse, RKS was a better team.”
What happened: RKS drew first blood from a penalty kick converted by first five eight Jone Vatuwaliwali for a 3-0 lead.
RNC’s Osea Waqanivatu replied through an RKS spill and dashed to the tryline for a glorious try as they held a selnder 5-3 lead.
Lack of discipline proved costly for RNC as Vatuwaliwali booted another penalty kick as RKS regained the lead 6-5. The defending champions regrouped and ran in their first try to winger Osea Natoga.
Halftime: RKS 11-5 RNC
It was all RKS in the second half as their big forwards dominated play. RKS scored five more tries with Natoga grabbing his second, Apolosi Senibuli touching down twice and a try to Jonetani Nasilasila to secure their spot in the final and a chance to defend their title.
Comments:: RKS manager Osea Uluiviti said: “Ratu Navula gave us a good game today and we prepared really well too. We will maintain the same preparation that we have been doing for the past weeks. Cuvu College is a good team too and we have a lot of respect for both western schools.”
RESULTS
U14: RKS 19-8 LMS, QVS 43-6 SGS
U15: RKS 25-7 MBHS, LMS 25-16 QVS
U16: RKS 15-9 NHS, QVS 17-15 SGS
U17: QVS 25-21 MBHS, LMS 17-15 RNC
U19: RKS 22-3 JWC, LMS 12-6 NSS
U18: Cuvu College 12-10 MHBS, RKS 36-5 RNC
FINALS
U14: RKS v QVS
U15: RKS v LMS
U16: RKS v QVS
U17: QVS v LMS
U19: RKS v LMS
– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
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