Lelean’s running game a threat to Grammar

Allowing Lelean Memorial School (LMS) play their running game in Saturday’s Vodafone Super Deans Trophy Under-18 grand final could be disastrous for Suva Grammar School (SGS).

This was the gist of former Deans winning coach Samisoni Bakeitoga’s interview with SUN-sports yesterday.

Baikeitoga mentored the Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) rugby teams to the Deans Trophy competition from 2003 to 2008. He coached RKS to share the Deans

trophy with SGS in 2005, when they played to a 19-19 draw at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Baikeitoga was also Tailevu’s head coach during the 2020-2024 Skip-per Cup competition.

During the interview, he rated Grammar as a strong quality team since most of their players had been playing in the Suva Rugby Union’s Koroturaga Cup competition.

“That provides them (Grammar) good exposure and gives them a boost ahead of the final,” Baikeitoga told SUNsports.

“They (Grammar) also have a good tactical advantage to win the Deans Trophy.”

However, Baikeitoga said LMS still pose a serious threat in the grand final and cannot be ruled out.

“Lelean will be coming for a victory because after 12 years are in the final again.

“Grammar has a good set of players, especially their forwards and they capitalise on all their opportunities.

“Grammar plays a structured game,” he said.

“However, they must watch out for the Lelean side because when Grammar opens an opportunity for Lelean, they will run the game.

“I have noticed from their previous games that Lelean loves to

open up their pattern of playing rugby and will use their backline to control the game.”

Baikeitoga said despite Grammar having the edge they still need to be wary of Lelean’s attacking strengths.

The final brings together two schools with strong Deans Trophy history.

LMS last won the Deans Trophy in 2014 and has won it 14 times, while Grammar’s last triumph was in 2005, they won it for the first time in 2001 at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.

The ticket prices are Grandstand- $30; Concrete embankment- $20 and Grass embankment- $10.

WHAT’S ON SATURDAY

8am U14 Queen Victoria v Ratu Navula (Deans)

9.05am U15 Ratu Kadavulevu v Marist Brothers (Deans)

10.25am U16 Nasinu Secondary v St Vincent

(Raluve)

11.30am U16 Suva Grammar v Queen Victoria (Deans)

12.50pm U17 Ratu Kadavulevu v Suva Grammar (Deans)

2.20pm U19 Lelean Memorial v Navatu Secondary (Deans)

3.45pm U18 Ra High v Nasinu Secondary (3rd/4th play-offs)

5.05pm U18 Lomary Secondary v Mahatma Gandhi (Raluve)

6.10pm U18 Suva Grammar v Lelean Memorial (Deans Trophy)