Hat-trick hero Daurua powers Grammar to Deans glory

Suva Grammar School ended a 21-year wait for Deans glory with a commanding 36-21 victory over Lelean Memorial School in the Vodafone Super Deans Under-18 final.

At the heart of Grammar’s triumph was hooker Viliame Daurua, who powered across for a hat-trick as the Nasese school’s dominant forward pack laid the platform for victory.

Grammar made their intentions clear from the outset, with Avanua Tevita crossing for the opening try in the fourth minute to give his side a 5-0 lead.

Daurua then barged over for his first try, which was converted, as Grammar extended their advantage to 12-0.

The hooker struck again to complete his double and push Grammar further ahead, 19-0.

Lelean finally found a response through Ratu Apenisa Navukitu, whose converted try reduced the deficit to 19-7.

LMS came firing out of the blocks in the second half, with Jovilisi Pagapo scoring a converted try inside the opening minute to close the gap to just five points, 19-14.

But Grammar quickly wrestled back control.

Daurua crossed for his third try to complete his hat-trick and stretch the lead to 24-14.

SGS captain Waisale Bolakoro then crossed for another five-pointer before Saula Koroi scored a converted try as Grammar surged to a commanding 36-14 lead.

Lelean continued fighting until the final whistle and scored a converted try at the death, but it was too late to deny Grammar a historic 36-21 victory and their first Deans title in 21 years.