Jasper Williams High School pulled off a stunning upset in the West Secondary Schools Raluve competition by defeating the defending national Under-18 champions, Natabua High School, with a score of 38-15 at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday. The game marked a significant turning point for Jasper as they demonstrated a formidable performance from the onset.
The girls in purple were aggressive and clearly dominated all aspects of the match, showcasing a high-pressure defense and a well-structured attack that kept Natabua constantly on the back foot. They entered halftime with a solid 19-5 lead, a testament to their control of possession and territory throughout the first half.
In the second half, Jasper maintained their momentum, effectively starving Natabua of scoring chances while exploiting defensive gaps. Although Natabua managed to score twice in the latter half, it wasn’t enough to close the gap as Jasper added another 19 points to secure their convincing victory.
Captain Emali Cevalawa led the charge for her team, contributing two tries and embodying the leadership crucial to their success. After the match, Cevalawa expressed the importance of faith and humility in their preparation, stating, “The Word of the Lord says, ‘Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up.’ That was my message to the team.”
This triumph not only signifies a key victory for Jasper Williams High School but also sets the stage for them to build on this momentum as they approach the national finals. Their performance reflects the competitive spirit that characterizes the Raluve competition and highlights the potential for growth among the athletes involved.
In related news from the Vodafone Deans U17 category, Ba Provincial Freebird Institute also secured a decisive 36-19 win over Natabua High School, showcasing the rising excitement and talent in school-level rugby across the region. Captain Isoa Taqiri expressed pride in his team’s effort, emphasizing the importance of preparation for upcoming matches.
With these developments, the future looks bright for these young athletes, underscoring the significance of their hard work and commitment to the sport.
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