New U19 rugby league winner

There will be a new Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League Under-19 champion.

This was after RKS Eels beat defending champions Ra High 28-24 in the semi-final at Churchill Park, Lautoka, last Saturday.

Eels captain Sairusi Vela said they were determined to win the semifinal.

“Our coaches and manager helped us pull through,” he said.

“Ra High was leading, but we did not want to back off. That changed the momentum and led us to victory.”

In the other semi-final, Queen Victoria School Knights also came from behind to beat Ba Provincial Dragons 14-10.

QVS head coach Jeremaia Mateni praised his players’ resilience.

“It was an awesome match by both teams.

“We came in excited. This win was something special. Even though the final is yet to be played, this felt like our final.

“There is a culture at QVS and these boys know it. They played to the final whistle. Our message at halftime was to dedicate this match to the junior boys and teachers at school.”

In the U17 semi-finals, Ba Methodist High School Saints upset RKS Eels 16-12, while Sigatoka Methodist College beat Lelean Memorial School 34-14.

BMHS principal Azam Ali said beating RKS was a major test.

“It was a tough game because RKS is a traditional giant with a strong history. We knew our boys could do it, but playing RKS was tough. We wanted this win and RKS was well-prepared.”

SMC captain Manasa Telawa said preparation was key.

In the U15 grade, Nasinu Secondary School defeated RKS Eels 16-0, while Gospel High School beat Central College Lautoka 10-5.

Nasinu coach Vili Tabua said RKS provided strong competition.

“RKS topped the zone while we were third, so we had to remind the boys about discipline after yellow and red cards cost us against Gospel High earlier,” he said.

Finals:

• Under-19: QVS Knights v RKS Eels
• Under-17: Ba Methodist Saints v Sigatoka Methodist College Saints
• Under-15: Gospel High Saints v Nasinu Secondary Panthers

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