DESPITE being stranded at the Queens highway because of mechanical issues to its transportation on the night before the quarter-finals, Cuvu College under-18 rugby team used it as its weapon to boost their performance.
The team thrashed Nasinu Secondary School 46-13 in the first quarter-final of the Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Deans Championship.
The halftime scored was a 17-13 lead to Cuvu however the baby stallions lifted their performance in the second half through open rugby and managed to score another six tries giving them a 46-13 victory.
Cuvu College head coach Meciusela Navitio said their bus broke down at Galoa Village and they reached their camp in Suva at 2:45am giving them little time to rest before their quarterfinal match at 9:30 am yesterday but the boys wanted to prove a point that there can’t be any excuse.
“Everything that happens, happens for a reason according to God’s plan and we give Him back the glory for giving us the win and we never stopped fighting during the match.
“Lack of sleep could be a factor that affects the human body before a rugby match but we believe it depends on the mental fitness the players have and we proved ourselves on the ground,” said Navitio.
Cuvu team captain Josateki Tuituba said teamwork prevailed at the ANZ Stadium and he acknowledged the boys for their effort.
“First and foremost we give the glory back to the Almighty for His blessings and giving us the strength that helped us win today (yesterday),” Tuituba said.
“Nasinu was a tough opponent but we made use of the wet weather condition and opened the game to them and another factor that contributed to the win was our defence and I thank the boys for that.
“The journey isn’t over and we will go back to regroup and sought out our weaknesses and come back next week stronger and we ask our supporters to come in numbers to support us,” said Tuituba.
In the second quarterfinal, QVS U18 edged Natabua 8-5 to secure a place in the semifinals.
Natabua led 5-3 at the halftime break, but QVS forwards drove the Natabua defence to their try line and scored their winning try 8-5.
