Lami High School is making significant strides in the under-19 category of the Vodafone Super Deans competition, as they prepare for the semi-finals this weekend. In a surprising quarter-final match last Saturday, the underdogs defeated the defending champions, Ratu Kadavulevu School, with a score of 11-5, thrilling their dedicated fans and supporters.
This marks a remarkable milestone for Lami, as it is the first time their U19 team has advanced to the national quarter-finals in 14 years, and they have now made it one step further. Lami secured their semi-final spot by earning the third seed from the southern zone after a tough playoff journey.
“We have proven ourselves,” said team manager Adi Lina Rogacala. “God is the pillar of this team. I was so emotional knowing that we won not just through our strengths but through God who has been with us since the beginning.”
The team, comprised of vocational students from Lami High, showcased great determination, unity, and a fierce desire for victory against a storied rival in secondary school rugby. “We thank RKS for a great game. They were the champions, and the match felt like a final for us,” Rogacala added. “Having defeated the champions, we are eagerly looking forward to the semi-finals. The coach will focus on improvements, and we will be ready.”
Lami High’s semi-final opponent will be Ratu Navula College, who convincingly won their quarter-final against Nasinu Secondary School with a score of 30-7. Additionally, Naitasiri Secondary School is set to compete against Queen Victoria School in the second semi-final.