MGM seals historic Raluve title

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School has put the perfect finishing touch to an impressive rugby season, adding its first Weet-Bix Raluve Under-18 title to its Coca-Cola Games girls championship.

With two major titles secured, the title proved to be the icing on the cake for the school’s outstanding sporting season.

MGM edged southern rivals Lomary Secondary School 13-12 in a thrilling final at Suva’s National Stadium last Saturday, completing a memorable double for the school.

Head coach Antonio Raboiliku said the victory was especially sweet after Lomary had beaten MGMS in the Southern Zone final.

“It’s a really sweet victory for our school and we thank God for the history that has been made,” Raboiliku said.

He said beating Lomary in the Raluve final was a form of redemption for his players, who had already experienced defeat against the same side.

“It was not an easy task. We had already played against each other in the Southern Zone competition and they defeated us in the final.

“Winning against them in the Raluve final was our redemption.”

The achievement is even more significant given that most of the MGMS players are only 16 years old.

Raboiliku said only captain Lydia Waqairapoa and two other players are 18, with the younger players deliberately stepping up to the Under-18 grade to test themselves against stronger opposition.

The coach believes the experience could help prepare the players for higher honours, including opportunities with the Fijiana and Fijiana Drua.

For MGM, the Raluve triumph caps a remarkable year after the school successfully defended its Coca-Cola Games girls title.