Lami High School has made significant strides in the under-19 category of the Vodafone Super Deans competition and will compete in the semi-finals this weekend. The team, regarded as underdogs, delivered a surprising performance in the quarter-finals last Saturday by defeating the reigning champions, Ratu Kadavulevu School, with a score of 11-5, in front of enthusiastic supporters.
This marks the first time in 14 years that Lami’s U19 team has advanced to the national quarter-finals, and they continue to push forward. The team earned its spot as the third seed from the southern zone after a challenging journey through the playoffs.
“We have proven ourselves,” said team manager Adi Lina Rogacala. “God is the pillar of this team. I felt so emotional knowing that we won not just through our strengths but through God who has been with us from the start.”
Comprised of students engaged in vocational studies at Lami High, the team displayed resilience, faith, unity, and a strong desire to win, especially against a school renowned for its rugby prowess.
“We thank RKS for a great game. They were the champions, and it felt like a final for us. From this point, we know we’ve defeated the champions in this category, and we’re looking forward to the semi-finals. The coach will focus on areas for improvement so we can be well-prepared,” she added.
Lami High is set to face Ratu Navula College in the semi-finals on Saturday, while Ratu Navula secured their spot with a convincing 30-7 victory over Nasinu Secondary School in their quarter-final match. Naitasiri Secondary School will compete against Queen Victoria School in the second semi-final.