Lami High School is making a remarkable journey in the under-19 category of the Vodafone Super Deans competition, aiming for success in the semi-finals this weekend.
The team, seen as underdogs, achieved a significant upset in the quarter-finals by defeating the defending champions, Ratu Kadavulevu School, with a score of 11-5, in front of enthusiastic fans and supporters. This victory marks the first time in 14 years that Lami’s U19 team has reached the national quarter-finals, and now they have advanced even further.
Lami secured their spot as the third-seeded team from the southern zone after a challenging path through the playoffs. Team manager Adi Lina Rogacala expressed her pride, 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.”
The squad comprises students engaged in vocational studies at Lami High, and they demonstrated remarkable resilience, unity, and a strong desire to win against a prestigious 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. Now that we have defeated the champions of this grade, we are excited for the semi-finals. The coach will work on our areas for improvement, and we will be ready,” she added.
In the semi-finals, Lami High will compete against Ratu Navula College, who secured a decisive 30-7 victory over Nasinu Secondary School in their quarter-final match. The other semi-final will feature Naitasiri Secondary School facing Queen Victoria School.