Lami High School made history on Saturday by winning their first U19 Vodafone Super Deans title in Secondary Schools Rugby, narrowly defeating the formidable Queen Victoria School 20-19 at the HFC Bank Stadium.
The match began with Lami taking an early lead courtesy of a penalty kick, making the score 3-0. Queen Victoria School quickly responded with a try from Rupeni Cabenapaipo, briefly putting them ahead. However, Lami’s Tunoa Qerea struck just before halftime, allowing them to take an 8-5 lead into the break.
In the second half, Isoa Laulaba increased Lami’s lead with another try, although the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Queen Victoria School retaliated with tries from Lemeki Racava and Josaia Tuinabouwaqa, one of which was converted, giving them a 19-13 advantage.
In a dramatic finish, Lami launched a comeback in the closing moments of the match. Anare Vakasausau scored a vital try and successfully converted it, clinching a thrilling 20-19 victory and earning Lami their historic U19 title.