Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School has advanced to its first-ever national Vodafone Deans under-18 quarterfinals. This achievement follows their successful run to the final of the Southern Zone Secondary School Rugby Union – Vodafone Deans competition.
MGM triumphed over Suva Grammar School with a score of 27-22 in the semifinals held at Buckhurst Park in Suva. Team manager Hotashwar Padarath expressed that their target for the year had been met.
“As first timers, we just aimed to reach the semifinal, so the coaches instructed the boys to manage the pressure and stick to the game plan,” he 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, bringing the score to 15-0. Suva Grammar’s only points in the first half came from Emilio Qoriniyasi’s penalty kick, making it 15-3 at halftime.
The second half was more competitive, with Matailevu Tuibenau scoring a try for Suva Grammar five minutes in, followed by a conversion by Qoriniyasi, narrowing the score to 15-10. MGM responded with a converted try by Joseva Nokelevu, but Suva Grammar kept pushing as Amena Tuivua scored a try.
Trailing 17-20, Suva Grammar’s chances for a comeback were dashed when David Towdah scored for MGM, and Matadigo sealed the result with a successful conversion. Despite MGM receiving a red and yellow card, which allowed Grammar a consolation try in the final moments, the Vatuwaqa-based school secured the victory.
“This Grammar team gave us a big game as expected because they are 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.