Lami High School marked a significant achievement in secondary school rugby by winning their first U19 Vodafone Super Deans title on Saturday, overcoming Queen Victoria School with a close score of 20-19 at the HFC Bank Stadium.
The match began with Lami taking an early lead with a penalty, scoring 3-0. Queen Victoria School quickly responded with a try from Rupeni Cabenapaipo, briefly putting them in the lead.
Just before halftime, Lami’s Tunoa Qerea crossed the line, allowing them to take an 8-5 advantage into the break.
In the second half, Isoa Laulaba further increased Lami’s lead with another try, although the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. QVS retaliated with tries from Lemeki Racava and Josaia Tuinabouwaqa, one of which was converted, giving QVS a 19-13 lead.
In the final moments of the match, Lami staged a dramatic comeback when Anare Vakasausau scored a vital try and successfully converted, clinching a thrilling 20-19 victory and securing their historic U19 title.