Lelean U17 defy odds, marches to finals
The win comes as a silver lining for Lelean, whose Under-18 side failed to progress to the final round
Saturday 16 August 2025 | 03:00
Lelean Memorial School under-17 team won the game against Marist Brothers High School at the HFC Stadium, Suva
Photo: Laiseana Nasiga
Lelean Memorial School’s Under-17 rugby team has earned their spot in the finals after a dramatic upset over Grammar School in the semi-finals, 25-27.
LMS proved that resilience and heart can carry a team beyond expectations.
Speaking after the victory, head coach Meli Serukalou described the week as “hectic,” but praised his players for stepping up when it mattered most.
“This week has been a hectic week for the boys,” Serukalou said.
“But upsetting Grammar in the semi-finals gave us an opportunity to push through to the finals. They showed a lot of courage out there.”
The win comes as a silver lining for Lelean, whose Under-18 side failed to progress to the final round.
With the school’s rugby hopes resting squarely on the shoulders of the U17s, the boys in blue responded with a performance that stunned the crowd and rattled one of the tournament’s traditional powerhouses.
Now, all eyes turn to the final, where Lelean’s U17s will look to finish what they started — and perhaps bring home redemption for their senior counterparts.
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