The Vodafone Deans Trophy campaign has been fueled by self-belief for the Gospel High School Under-15 rugby team. This sentiment was expressed by GHS principal Iliesa Parker during an interview with SUNsports.
GHS made a remarkable achievement by defeating the favored Ratu Kadavulevu School 12-7 in the quarterfinals last Saturday, marking a significant upset in the tournament.
“Our coaches have been focusing on enhancing certain areas as we prepare for the semi-finals,” Parker stated. He mentioned concerns regarding a few players dealing with minor injuries, hoping for their recovery ahead of the upcoming match on Saturday.
Parker praised the players for their outstanding performance against RKS, highlighting that this marks the first time GHS will compete in the Deans semi-finals across any grade, thus making history for the school. He credited the team’s strong support system, including parents, alumni, and school management.
The principal expressed gratitude for the dedicated coaching staff guiding the team, emphasizing the importance of discipline both on and off the field during their preparations. The players are particularly excited about the prospect of playing in a stadium for the first time.
“They have the chance to face a championship team like Marist, whom they have not encountered this season,” Parker noted. “We feel privileged to compete against Marist, the defending champions.”
Parker called upon all Gospel High supporters to wear the school’s colors of pink, white, and blue in support of the team on Saturday. He also extended well wishes to the other competing schools in the semi-finals.