The under-19 Bhasin Cup of the Crest Chicken Fiji Secondary Schools Hockey has returned to Ovalau. St John’s College, Cawaci triumphed in the final held yesterday at Laucala Bay in Suva, defeating St Thomas High School from Lautoka with a score of 1-0.
St John’s College showcased their prowess on the swift new national hockey turf, confirming their status as favorites and champions. Head coach Metuisela Masi expressed his joy and highlighted the significance of the victory for the team and their supporters.
“This is a big achievement for the team, the parents, and the supporters who have stood by us this entire week. It’s unfortunate for our girls who lost in the final, but we will be taking this trophy home, which is certainly worth celebrating,” he stated.
The two teams had faced off during the pool stages earlier in the week, providing Cawaci with the experience needed to secure their win in the final.
“It was a tough match; St Thomas really put up a good fight, but our boys adhered to the game plan, and we are pleased with the result. We knew which players to mark, and I instructed them to focus on two specific players from the opposing team, and they executed that well,” Masi added.
The team plans to relish their victory before resuming their commitments in the new year when they will host the competition in Levuka.
In other results, Sangam Sadhu Kuppuswamy Memorial College (SSKMC) claimed both titles in the girls’ division. Their U16 team won the Melaia Sandy’s Cup by defeating St John’s Cawaci 4-2 in a penalty shootout, while their U19 team secured the Westmere Cup with a 1-0 victory over St John’s Cawaci as well. Tilak High School also celebrated success, winning the Noal Gibson Cup with a 1-0 win against Marist Brothers High School.