Lelean Memorial School’s under-17 side booked a place in the Southern Zone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League final with a gritty 22-16 semi-final win over Lami High School at the St Marcelln grounds in Vatuwaqa on Saturday. The victory marks Lelean’s first U17 final in the Southern Zone after the school previously competed at the U15 grade.
Lami struck first in a tense contest, with the visitors crossing for the opening try and applying pressure through much of the first half. Lelean head coach Qio Filipe said his side knew they would be up against a higher-ranked opponent and praised the players’ resolve in response. “During our preparation we knew we would be playing a team ranked higher than us and Lami was tough, scoring the opening try,” Filipe said. “But I thank the almighty for the efforts the boys put in, they listened to our instructions, played as a team and executed what we had planned for in school.”
Midway through the second half Lami rolled back the clock with two quick tries to move into a 16-12 lead, swinging momentum in their favour. Lelean, however, steadied and delivered the decisive scores to regain control and close out the match 22-16. The semi-final win was built on the kind of collective effort Filipe highlighted, with the players responding to tactical adjustments under pressure.
Captain Kaveni Tuisavura reflected on the tight finish and said his message to teammates was simple: lift the intensity and remember those who have supported them. “My message to the boys didn’t change. I just told them whatever level they were in just to take up a notch and remember our families and supporters who gave up so much to see us come this far,” he said. Tuisavura also pointed to areas that need sharpening ahead of the final, adding: “Our communication needs improving; we also have to up our defence and ensure our passes actually stick.”
Lelean will now face Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) in the Southern Zone U17 final next weekend, after RKS secured their berth with a 22-8 semi-final win over Ba Provincial Freebirs Institute at Burkhurst Park. The forthcoming final pairs Lelean’s emerging U17 side — a unit making its first appearance at this stage — against an RKS side that showed clinical form in their semi.
The result underlines the growth of rugby league pathways in the southern schools competition, with Lelean’s jump from U15 contenders to U17 finalists suggesting depth in their development program. Coach Filipe’s praise and Tuisavura’s frank assessment point to a squad that is confident but aware of the work needed to lift for the decider next weekend.
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