Cuvu College experienced a thrilling victory in the Vodafone Super Deans competition, overcoming Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) with a score of 23-20 in an intense under-18 match held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
After trailing 19-13 at halftime, Cuvu made a determined comeback in the second half, successfully scoring two unconverted tries to take the lead. RKS managed to score only a penalty in the second period.
Confusion ensued at the end of the match when RKS players kicked the ball out, believing they had secured victory. Both teams celebrated, but their joy was short-lived when FSSRU officials intervened to correct a potential error that could have awarded RKS the win and unjustly denied Cuvu.
Cuvu College principal Manoj Vikash expressed immense pride and gratitude following the match, emphasizing the significance of the victory for the players’ futures. Overcome with emotion, he stated, “We in Cuvu believe in rugby as a career, and this win has opened doors for our boys to do something with their lives.”
Vikash highlighted the support from parents and the local community, saying that rugby has a special place in their hearts in Nadroga and serves as a pathway for the players’ aspirations.
Coach Samisoni Navatu credited the team’s improved performance in the second half to a boost in self-belief among the players. He encouraged them to trust in their training and to play their style of rugby, assuring that victory would come as a result.
Navatu also expressed gratitude towards the fans who made the early morning journey to Suva to support the team.