KEEP it simple was the message given to the Ratu Kadavulevu School under-18 side when they successfully defended their title yesterday.
The RKS brigade defeated Cuvu College 20-nil in the final of the 2018 Fiji secondary schools’ Powerade Super Deans Rugby Championship finals.
From bone crunching tackles to stylish off-loads and running style of rugby, it was a match worthy for the fans to see.
After a fair share of possession, RKS struck first with a try to fly half Sireli Maqala before their hooker Sakaraia Vunikauregu was sin-binned for dangerous play but it did not deter the defending champion as they scored another try before halftime through centre and skipper Viliame Sokiveta that gave them a 12-nil lead.
RKS team’s mentor Nacanieli Saumi said his boys had been preparing for the moment and they had accomplished their mission.
“Our theme was always to keep it simple and the boys did that today (yesterday), and I thank them for their determination, sacrifice and hard work that finally paid off,” Saumi said.
“The team had 10 leaders on the field and every decision and change of game pattern it was decided by them and I thank them for standing out there when the boys were under pressured.”
Saumi said after the game they remained humble throughout the season and also in the quarters and the semi-final.
“During their wins in the quarters and semis, they didn’t celebrate much knowing the final match is the main priority and now they can celebrate,” Saumi added.
The RKS fans went into a frenzy late into the first spell when a flock of heron (RKS’s mascot) flew over the ANZ Stadium.
RKS dominated territory and possession in the second spell and were rewarded as Maqala touched down for his second try to extend the lead with a 17-nil before man of the match Jone Vatuwaliwali kicked a penalty to secure the win for his team.
Cuvu College took a-pick -and-go approach in the match but their lineouts and scrums let them down as they lost possession in numerous times.
Cuvu principal Navneet Mishra said it was a good game and was proud of his boys and their achievements.
“I would like to thank the boys for the good game and we knew it will be a tough encounter against RKS but we will try again next year,” Mishra said.
The Deans competition was dominated by the Lodoni-based RKS side winning the U14, U15, U16, U19 and U18 titles.
Queen Victoria School were victors in the U17 grade defeating Lelean Memorial School 9-8.
Savusavu’s Napuka Secondary took out the U19 girls 7s title defeating Sacred Heart College 20-19 in the final.
Final results: U14: RKS 5-5 QVS (RKS won for scoring first try), U15: RKS 21-5 LMS, U16: RKS 15-7 QVS, U17: LMS 9-8 QVS, U19: RKS 14-0 LMS, U18: RKS 20-0 Cuvu College
