JOKINI Love's last minute try struck deep down the hearts of the Marist fans as John Wesley College (JWC) edged their much fancied opponents 13-12 in the under-17 qualifiers yesterday.
The win at Bidesi Park in Suva sees the Raiwaqa-based school retain its Tier One place in the southern zone competition next year.
But for Marist Brothers' High School (MBHS), they have one more hurdle to endure in their bid to retain their place in the top level.
The boys from Kaunikuila will play the loser of the Ba Provincial and Saint John's College Cawaci match to determine their fate.
Love, who is the nephew of former Flying Fijian Alfred Uluinayau, said scoring the winning try was a boost to his campaign to don the national jumper in future.
The 17-year-old Rewa lad says he aims to do better next year to help his JWC side advance through the latter stages of the Deans competition.
JWC coach Isimeli Koroi said it was a sweet revenge for them as they lost to MBHS in the pool play.
"We are very happy to maintain our place and we look forward to the U18 competition next year," he said.
MBHS coach Isikeli Kalouniviti said they were disappointed with the loss but vowed to come back stronger in their next encounter.
Marist led 7-5 in the opening spell, thanks to the Josefa Logavatu try.
Fullback Musulame Kenatale extended Marist's lead 12-5 before JWC first five-eighth Paula Mainayala cushioned the deficit via successful penalty followed by Love's late stunner.
Other results: U16: LBSS 17 SGS 12, MBHS 27 Nasinu 5.