The Lami High School Under-19 rugby team remained unfazed by the numerous criticisms and allegations directed at them during the Vodafone Deans Trophy finals. Head coach Beniamino Kakaivalu shared this insight with SUNsports after the team triumphed over Queen Victoria School with a narrow 20-19 victory at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Kakaivalu explained that the players maintained a social media blackout, which he believed allowed them to concentrate on their performance and shielded them from negativity. He emphasized that the win marks the beginning of a more extensive plan, as they aim to establish an Under-18 team for the upcoming year to compete for further accolades.
Reflecting on their journey, Kakaivalu noted the challenges they faced, including travel to Vanua Levu for the national qualifiers. The team successfully defeated Dreketi Central College 24-21 to reach the national quarterfinals, where they achieved surprising victories against Ratu Kadavulevu School (11-5) and Ratu Navula College (13-10) in the semifinals.
Kakaivalu recalled telling his players before facing Ratu Kadavulevu School that their competitors’ reputation was just a name, and that their tenacity was on full display again in the finals.