Suva Grammar School Lions secured a historic victory in the Post Fiji Deans Trophy final, overpowering Ratu Kadavulevu School 34-10 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Led by captain Kini Saukuru, the Grammarian Lions surged to the title for the first time in the competition’s history, scoring four tries to one as they dominated from start to finish.
The Grammarian Lions opened a commanding lead, moving ahead 10-3 by halftime and maintaining pressure after the break. Their tight defense and powerful forward pack were pivotal, repeatedly smothering RKS and laying a solid platform to build their victory. In the second half, Suva Grammar shifted tactics to pin RKS in their own territory, kicking possession behind the defense and forcing pressure that helped seal the win.
Coach Kuli Naucabalavu expressed overwhelming joy, crediting the players for sticking to the game plan and executing it to perfection. He said the triumph came from disciplined preparation and a clear strategy that the team carried out on the day.
RKS, meanwhile, attributed their downfall to a high penalty count and confusion over rulings under the new laws introduced for the final. Epeli Nabatisila, the RKS manager, noted that his players began to lose concentration as penalties mounted, undermining their performance. Referee Sakaraia Vuki apologized to RKS for the unfamiliarity with the new match laws used in the final, acknowledging the impact it had on the game.
This victory marked a milestone for Suva Grammar, signaling the rise of the Lions in the Deans ranks and the beginning of what would become a strong rugby legacy for the school’s broader program.
Context and value add:
– In the years that followed, Suva Grammar School continued to build momentum across Deans competitions, achieving success across multiple age groups and earning a reputation for developing depth in their rugby program. Their teams have regularly reached the semi-finals and finals in various age brackets, including U15 and U16 titles, as part of a sustained push in Fiji secondary-school rugby.
– The school’s rugby culture has been closely tied to community support and school pride, with milestones such as celebrating a significant jubilee that coincided with ongoing achievements on the field.
– The Deans Trophy scene has evolved with new rules over time, and Suva Grammar’s ability to adapt has been cited as a factor in their continued success and growth within Fiji’s school rugby landscape.
Summary:
– Suva Grammar School won their first Deans Trophy Under-19 title in 2001, defeating RKS 34-10 after leading 10-3 at halftime, with a strong defense and forward effort, plus tactical execution in the second half.
– The win highlighted the start of a rising era for Suva Grammar’s rugby program, a trend that continued in the following years with broader success across age groups and milestones that reinforced the school’s standing in Fiji secondary-school rugby.
Optional notes for publication:
– Consider adding a short sidebar highlighting the key players from the 2001 final, if records are available, to preserve the historical context for readers.
– Acknowledge the evolving rules in rugby at the time and how that shaped the final, providing readers with a sense of the era’s rugby landscape.
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