Lami High School achieved a significant milestone in rugby by winning their first U19 Vodafone Super Deans title on Saturday. They narrowly defeated the formidable Queen Victoria School with a score of 20-19 at the HFC Bank Stadium.
The match commenced with Lami taking an early lead through a penalty kick, making it 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 scored, allowing Lami to take an 8-5 advantage.
In the second half, Isoa Laulaba added another try for Lami, although the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Queen Victoria School then rallied, with tries from Lemeki Racava and Josaia Tuinabouwaqa, one of which was successfully converted, putting them in the lead at 19-13.
In a thrilling conclusion, Lami staged a comeback with Anare Vakasausau scoring a critical try and successfully converting, sealing a dramatic 20-19 victory and earning the historic U19 title.