QVS eyes clean sweep with Deans next

The Vodafone Deans Trophy is the only major schools sporting title that is yet to be won by Queen Victoria School, this season.

Last Saturday, QVS hoisted the Vodafone Trophy after beating Ratu Kadavulevu School 28-26 in the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League Under-19 final at Govind Park in Ba.

Two weeks ago, QVS defied all odds to win the boy’s division of the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Finals (Coca-Cola Games) after 33 years at Suva’s National Stadium.

Victorious QVS U19 rugby league captain Isikeli Bari said they had built a winning culture over the years of participating.

“This is our rugby league dream team,” the Moala, Nadi, lad said.

“We won the Under-15 title in Nausori in 2022, the Under-17 title in Nadi in 2024 and now the Under-19 title.”

Bari said the team went straight into camp after the Fiji Finals Coca-Cola Games.

“While other students went home on Sunday, we kept our focus in camp from Monday to Wednesday,” he said.

“This team did not have any athletes who competed at the Coke Games. We only had Under-18 and Under-19 boys.

“Most of us are in Year 13 and being our final year in school we wanted to leave a legacy. We still have the Dean’s competition next term.”

QVS led 16-6 at halftime and despite a strong comeback by RKS in the second spell, Bari said discipline and teamwork helped them hold on to victory.

“We had to stay united, communicate well and remain focused,” added Bari who was also named player of the match.

Ba Methodist Saints crowned U17 champs

Ba Methodist Saints beat Sigatoka Methodist College Knights 18-16 in the final after leading 14-4 at halftime. Saints coach David Wise said 16 players from the team’s U15 winning side in 2024 remained in the squad this year, while two players joined QVS.

“We had only a few boys this year, but they performed as expected,” Wise said.

“I knew this year would be tough because most teams would be gunning for us.

“The boys held on because of the sacrifices they had made during training.”

Saints full-back Taniela Kunaraga was named player of the final.

“I have been involved in the sport for the past three years and this is my first year at Ba Methodist High School. I’m happy to receive this award,” he said.

Nasinu Secondary hoists U15 title

Nasinu Panthers defeated Gospel High School 12-8 in the U15 final to avenge their loss in the zone semi-final. The teams were locked 6-6 at halftime.

Panthers fullback Jovesa Raibulu was named player of the final.

He thanked God for guiding him on the field. Raibulu, who is from Nacamaki, Naceva, in Kadavu and has maternal links to Naqara, Naitasiri, dedicated the award to his mother.