Rural school on track to qualify

Ratu Simione Matanitobua College Under-15 rugby side will have to polish their defence ahead of their last game of the Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Southern Zone Deans competition against Suva Grammar School (SGS) this weekend.

Team manager Jeke Dikiwai was pleased with his players’ performance in their 30–8 win against Ratu Sukuna Memorial School (RSMS) at the SGS ground last Saturday.

“For the past two games, we were beaten in close matches against Gospel High School and Dudley High School,” he said.

“The team played according to the tactics that I have taught them throughout the week, especially in defence.”

Dikiwai added that his players lacked size but were strong in defence against their opponents.

“Family is the inspiration behind these players’ strong performance. I want to thank the families who came out to support the boys, including the vanua and the school.”

The win is crucial for the team from Namosi as they fight to keep their season alive.

“Our main target is to reach the nationals, but we’ll see how things unfold after this match.”

Dikiwai added that lack of a proper training ground been their biggest challenge but have not deterred them.

“Our ground is actually covered with pebbles and our main training area is a slope that leads up to the school.

“I take my hat off to the boys because what they don’t have, other schools do, so that has really inspired them.”

Dikiwai shared that they also face financial constraints in their campaign.

“Most of the time, the boys have to fork out their own money in order to participate on weekends,” he said.

“My message to my players is to think of their families, the hardships they face, and the vanua.”

Dikiwai said as of now they prefer to go in as an underdog.

Results

U18: Marist Brothers High School (MBHS) 48-7 Church College, Nabua Secondary School 0-64 Nasinu Secondary School, Ratu Sukuna Memorial School (RSMS) 8-36 Suva Grammar School (SGS)

U19: SGS 25-5 AOG High

U17: Gospel High School 108-7 John Wesley College, Ratu Simione Matanitobua 29-20 CMF College

U16: MBHS 29-8 Nabua Secondary, Namosi Secondary School 6-18 RSMS, SGS 56-8 Suva Muslim College, Marist Champagnat Institute 22-17 Kalabu Secondary School

U15: Gospel High School 8-25 SGS, RSMS 8-30 Ratu Simione Matanitobua College, Nasinu Secondary 73-3 CMF

U14: MGM 20-5 MBHS, Dudley High School 5-12 SGS, Church College 6-60 Nasinu Secondary

Raluve U18: MGM 60-0 Dudley High School