Lami High School is making headlines in the under-19 division of the Vodafone Super Deans competition, as they prepare for the semi-finals this weekend. The team, considered underdogs, achieved a significant upset last Saturday by defeating the reigning champions, Ratu Kadavulevu School, with a score of 11-5, in front of enthusiastic fans.
This victory marks the first time in 14 years that Lami High’s U19 team has advanced to the national quarter-finals, and they now look to go even further. The team fought hard to secure their place as the third seed from the southern zone.
Team manager Adi Lina Rogacala expressed her emotional response to the win, stating, “We have proven ourselves. God is the pillar of this team. I was so emotional knowing that we won not through our strengths but through God who has been with us since the beginning.”
Lami High’s team, comprised of students engaged in vocational studies, demonstrated remarkable resilience, faith, unity, and a strong desire for victory against a formidable opponent in secondary school rugby.
“We thank RKS for a great game. They were the champions, and the match felt like a final for us. From here onwards, we know we have beaten the champions of this grade and are looking forward to the semi-finals. The coach will focus on areas for improvement, and we will come prepared,” she added.
In the semi-finals, Lami High will compete against Ratu Navula College, who secured their spot by defeating Nasinu Secondary School 30-7 in their quarter-final match. Naitasiri Secondary School will face Queen Victoria School in the other semi-final.