Underdogs Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School U17 made their debut at the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League at the Marcellin grounds yesterday.

MGM Dragons in a sterling performance thrashed regular Lomaivuna Warriors 28-4.

Coach Koroi Matadigo said they had gathered at the 11th-hour to prepare for their first game.

Matadigo thanked the school principal for giving them an opportunity to showcase the talents within the players.

He said while some students have joined the school this year, they were thankful for the opportunity to display their talents.

“We came in as the underdogs and battled with a strong team, it was the knowledge of the game from the MGM Dragons that prevailed at the end and brought them to a win,” Matadigo said.

“It’s the first time the school is in the schools’ rugby league competition and we’re overwhelmed.

“Others who have joined us this year from other schools were never involved in sports; we are a new team collectively.”

FSSRL South –Eastern zone president Penaia Qalituraga said the competition has unearthed some amazing talents from the players.

He said the registration of six schools in the Suva Eastern zone this year has boosted competition.

Interest and the registration of Rampur College, Vashist Muni, MGM and Wainimala Secondary is an indication that rugby league is thriving in schools.

“The players displayed fitness, this indicates that they had been training during the off-season,” Qalituraga said.

In other U17 results, Marist Storm defeated Assemblies of God Sea Eagles 18-1, Queen Victory School Knights thrashed Vashist Cowboys 50-4, Nasinu Panthers thumped Sacred heart College Saints 40-0, Shreedhar Sharks edged Dudley Storm 22-18.

Meanwhile, Western Zone U19 Ba Pro Dragons retained the Volau Trophy after defeating Ratu Navula Eagles by 18-8.

Story By: Laisa Lui

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