Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School has reached its first-ever national Vodafone Deans under-18 quarterfinals.
This milestone comes after they advanced to the final of the Southern Zone Secondary School Rugby Union- Vodafone Deans competition.
The team triumphed over Suva Grammar School with a 27-22 victory in the semifinals at Buckhurst Park in Suva. Team manager Hotashwar Padarath mentioned that they have met their goal for the year.
“As first timers we just wanted to reach the semifinal, so the boys were told by the coaches to handle the pressure and stick to the game plan,” Padarath said.
MGM started strong with two tries by Osea Tuilovoni within the first five minutes and another by Sesoni Tamani 12 minutes later.
Ilimo Matadigo converted the second try and added a penalty, putting MGM ahead 15-0. Suva Grammar’s only points in the first half came from Emilio Qoriniyasi’s boots, leaving them trailing 3-15 at halftime.
In the second half, Suva Grammar gained momentum with Matailevu Tuibenau scoring a try five minutes into the half.
A successful conversion by Qoriniyasi reduced the gap to 10-15. MGM responded with a converted try by Joseva Nokelevu, but Suva Grammar stayed in contention as Amena Tuivua scored a try.
Trailing 17-20, Suva Grammar’s hopes for a comeback were dashed when David Towdah finished off a team effort for MGM and Matadigo made a successful conversion.
Despite a red and yellow card giving Suva Grammar a consolation try in the final minutes, the Vatuwaqa-based school secured the victory.
“This Grammar team gave us a big game as we expected because they’re the traditional powerhouse of secondary school rugby. We are just first timers and I’m proud of the boys,” Padarath added. MGM will face Nasinu in the finals next weekend.