CHAMPIONS Queen Victoria School will defend the Coke Zero Deans Trophy title when they face Nasinu in the under-18 grand final next week.
QVS outplayed and shut out a determined Assemblies of God High School 22-0 in a display of running rugby at Lawaqa Park yesterday.
The win sees QVS facing Nasinu in the grand final next week. Nasinu defeated RKS 16-15 in the first semi-final.
The qvs forwards worked together throughout the match and defended as a unit when the opposition were on attack.
AOG also had some good scoring opportunities in the first half but poor handling in the wet conditions saw them give away possession at crucial moments.
Their best scoring opportunity came with about 10 minutes before halftime when prop Moses Fonorito barged his way into the QVS tryline but was was held up by the opposition.
QVS principal Waisale Vatuvoka said the boys had achieved what they came to do.
Vatuvoka said while it was difficult because of the wet conditions at Lawaqa Park, he was happy that his boys stuck to their game plan.
"I want to thank the boys for winning the game but now we must focus on the next game (final) next week," Vatuvoka said.
"I want to thank AOG for putting up a very good fight.
"For us we know it is going to be difficult as defending champions but I believe the boys will return better prepared for next week's game."
AOG coach Eroni Vereivalu was gracious in defeat and went to congratulate the QVS officials and players at the end of the game.
Former Nadroga skipper and former schools rugby player Tiko Matawalu said the heavy rain experienced during the game between QVS and AOG spoilt the game.
Matawalu, who played for the Deans Trophy during his days at Suva Grammar School, said while the standard showed by the two teams was commendable, they were not able to finish off most of their moves because of the wet conditions.
"I would like to congratulate QVS for the win and also to AOG for working so hard to reach this stage. Before we only saw teams like QVS, RKS, Lelean, Nasinu, Grammar, Marist in the Deans semi-finals but it's good to see a new team like AOG making it to the last four in the competition," Matawalu said.
QVS wing Apimeleki Vunaki was the star for the Blues as he scored two tries while Inosi Nabunobuno scored one.
First-five Kini Douglas kicked two conversions while fullback Reuben Tokona was successful with a penalty.