We will be back stronger, says Holy Cross U18 coach

Holy Cross College’s Under-18 team has taken plenty of positives from its narrow 21-20 loss to Nasinu Secondary School in the Vodafone Deans Under-18 elimination match last Saturday.

Head coach Tabaki Karikaritu said his side failed to maintain its intensity until full time.

The Taveuni-based side led 17-0 at halftime but managed only a penalty in the second half as Nasinu staged a comeback to snatch victory.

“I don’t think we played the full 80 minutes. Nasinu has been playing on this stage for a long time and they know how to manage their game,” Karikaritu said after the match.

“We came in as underdogs but gave them a good run for their money.

“As I told the boys, we will come back stronger.”

Karikaritu also welcomed the review of the competition’s Terms of Participation (TOP), which allows schools to field up to six guest players from other schools within their zone.

He said the change has been particularly beneficial for smaller schools in the Northern Division.

Holy Cross included five players from Bucalevu Secondary School and one from Niusawa Methodist High School in its squad.

“There is plenty of raw talent in the North, especially in Taveuni, and that’s why we were able to put up such a strong performance against Nasinu,” he said.

“This change to the TOP is very effective for smaller schools like ours. It is especially important in specialist positions such as hooker and prop.”