Why QVS Never Gave Up?

Queen Victoria School’s (QVS) painful loss to Natabua High School (NHS) during last year’s national Under-18 quarterfinal was the driving force behind their campaign.

This was finally settled when QVS came from behind to beat NHS 24-15 to hoist the Vodafone Super Deans title for the 24th time at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, on Saturday night.

This was revealed to SUNsports by QVS head coach Pedro Waqa after a thrilling final where they were trailing 5-15 at halftime.

“I’d like to thank the Lord and the QVS family,” Waqa said.

“I’m proud of the boys, management and the school in our journey throughout the season.”

Waqa said their quarterfinal loss in 2022 against NHS was their motivating factor when they started their Deans Trophy campaign.

“We tried our best, worked hard to get back the Deans Trophy, which is the property of Queen Victoria School,” he said.

Waqa said at halftime he reminded his players to keep trusting their process.

“We’ve gone through it during training; we just have to trust what we have learnt, and this is the last time they’ll be playing together,” he said.

Waqa dedicated the win to the school principal, administration and the whole Vulinituraga family.

“Especially, to the QVS old boys, our hardworking parents who’ve been giving a lot from their pockets throughout the long season,” he said.

“This win is also for our old boys who are in their first year of the running the parliament.”

Waqa said he was pleased with how the team performed and how they played with pride.

He also added that five players in the team had played rugby league during the first school term.

Ratunagusu Grateful

Meanwhile, QVS No.8 Alipate Ratunagusu won the Best Player Award in the final for his gutsy performance, which resulted in a try in the first half and kept their Deans Trophy hopes alive.

“I’d like to thank God for His guidance, the management and my parents for their tremendous support throughout the season,” he said.

Ratunagusu has been playing rugby for two years.

“My father inspired me to play rugby and I look up to (former All Blacks and Crusaders No.8) Kieran Read because of his work rate and skillset in the field, “he said.

Ratunagusu said he had focused solely on rugby in Term 2 but would now shift his attention to his studies as the rugby season has ended.

“I’m an arts student and my subjects in school are accounting, economics and computer.

“I am inspired to be a professional rugby player and also be an qualified accountant, “he said.

Story by: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj