New U19 Winners
A new winner will be crowned in the 2022 Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League Championship Under-19 grade.
This was after defending champions Nasinu Secondary School Panthers lost 8-16 to Ba Provincial Freebird Institute Dragons in the quarterfinals at Garvey Park, Tavua, on Saturday.
An emotional Dragons captain Mikaele Raivolita said after trailing Panthers 8-6 at halftime, they gave their all in the second half to grab the win.
The Dragons won the national U19 title in 2014 and 2015. The school’s rugby league team has produced top players like France-based Eroni Sau and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games gold medallist Aminiasi Tuimaba.
The Dragons had topped the Western Zone while Nasinu was the fourth placed team from the Eastern Zone.
What happened: The Dragons took the lead in the 9th minute with a try to centre Luke Ravouvou and conversion by dummy half Watisoni Druma made it 6-0.
Five minutes later, Panthers hooker Jonacani Kolinivala scored a try to close the gap 6-4 with the conversion going wide.
In the 26th minute Nasinu took the lead for the first time when centre Joji Naituivau scored their second try, again not converted.
Halftime: Panthers 8-6 Dragons
In the 63rd minute, full-back Manueli Naketenilagi scored for Dragons as they regained the lead 10-8.
In the 71st minute referee Kinivuwai Qumivitia awarded a penalty try to the Dragons after their first five eight Apimeleki Nasalo was about to score a try but was fouled by a Nasinu player.
Comment: Dragons captain Mikaele Raivolita said: “It was a great game as we were able to come from behind to win. Nasinu was a great side but our boys played their hearts out. Together we hope to continue to raise the flag in the national semi-finals.”
Other Results:
Ra High Roosters 20–20 Naitasiri Secondary Warriors (Naitasiri scored first and was awarded the match), RKS Eels 48–10 Ba Methodist High School, QVS Knights 38– 26 Ratu Navula Sea Eagles, Ba Pro Dragons 16–8 Nasinu Panthers.
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