The Lami High School Under-19 rugby team was unfazed by the criticisms and allegations directed at them during the Vodafone Deans Trophy finals. Head coach Beniamino Kakaivalu shared this insight with SUNsports after the team’s narrow victory over Queen Victoria School, winning 20-19 at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium.
“The boys were on a social media blackout,” Kakaivalu explained, reflecting on how they managed to cope with the surrounding negativity. This approach allowed the players to concentrate on their performance and avoid distractions.
Kakaivalu emphasized that the victory marked the beginning of a larger goal, as they plan to field an Under-18 team next year to compete for more titles.
Looking back, Kakaivalu noted the challenges faced along the journey, which included traveling to Vanua Levu for national qualifiers. Lami High School secured a spot in the national quarterfinals by defeating Dreketi Central College 24-21, and went on to upset Ratu Kadavulevu School 11-5 and Ratu Navula College 13-10 in the semifinals.
“When we faced Ratu Kadavulevu School, I told the boys, it’s just the name of the school that is big. Our boys fought with all their heart, and that was once again evident today,” Kakaivalu concluded.