Jasper Williams High School claim Weet-Bix Raluve under-18 trophy with 22-17 win over Natabua High School in Suva
Jasper Williams High School surged to victory in the Weet-Bix Raluve under-18 final, edging Natabua High School 22-17 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday. The win sees Jasper take the cup from the defending champions and adds a memorable chapter to their rugby program.
Natabua, the defending national champions, fought hard to deny Jasper on several occasions, but the Jasperians seized key moments to convert pressure into points and secure the trophy. The result was celebrated with prayers and cheers at the stadium as Jasper fans gathered to mark the achievement.
Head coach Alena Laqai was elated and thanked her players for their hard work. “I must congratulate my girls. I thank them for their hard work, they played till the last minute in order to get the cup from Sharp St,” Laqai said, noting that Sharp St is a local nickname for Natabua High School’s second entrance on Vomo Street in Lautoka.
Laqai also highlighted the team’s clear game plan going into the final. “Natabua, we’ve been playing with them for so many games. Every year, we played with them from Lautoka, then it goes to the Western, and up to the nationals now. It’s a different team when they defend the cup.” She stressed that defence and game management were critical areas they tightened to swing the match in their favour.
After the final whistle, rugby legend Waisale Serevi met the Jasper Williams squad to extend congratulations to both teams for their efforts and to celebrate a standout moment for young women players in the sport.
The trophy win comes with a $5000 prize for Jasper Williams High School, underscoring the growing success and investment in girls’ rugby in the region. The victory signals a promising future for Jasper as their players continue to develop ahead of broader national competition.
Summary: Jasper Williams High School upset the defending champions Natabua High School 22-17 to capture the Weet-Bix Raluve under-18 trophy in Suva, with praise for disciplined defense, effective game management, and a celebratory show of support from rugby great Waisale Serevi. The win delivers a bright moment for Jasper and reinforces the strength of girls’ rugby in Fiji.
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