MGM edge QVS 15-14 to reach Deans Trophy final as rising under-15 force
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School’s under-15 rugby side produced a dramatic 15-14 victory over Queen Victoria School to knock them out of the Vodafone Deans Trophy and advance to the final. QVS started strongly, piling up two converted tries in the first half to lead 14-5 at the break, while MGM managed a single try.
In the second half, MGM piled on pressure but found QVS’s defence stubborn. About 20 minutes in, MGM struck with a series of pick-and-drive plays to cross for a try and reduce the margin to 14-12. The turning moment came after a QVS foul earned them a yellow card; MGM then moved ahead with a penalty to make it 15-14. QVS pressed for the equaliser, but four missed penalty attempts inside MGM territory ultimately cost them a spot in the final, with the Vatuwaqa-based team holding firm to the final whistle.
In other semi-finals, QVS defeated Lelean Memorial School 17-13 in the under-17 grade, while Suva Grammar School beat Marist Brothers High School 10-8 in the under-14 grade.
Matches are live on FBC Sports and FBC Two, with overseas viewers able to watch live for 59 FJD via vitiplus.
Comment and context
The win reinforces MGM’s rising status in Fiji’s youth rugby, with the program continuing to show depth across age groups. Team manager Miriama Lutubulo has emphasized preparation and the motivation that players draw from family and school, a theme echoed in recent MGM performances across the under-14 and under-18 campaigns. The Deans semi-finals are being staged across multiple venues, a logistics move that helps broadcast reach and spectator access, underscoring a broader push to showcase Fiji’s young rugby talent.
Summary
MGM’s under-15s delivered a nerve-wracking comeback to topple QVS 15-14, securing a place in the Deans Trophy final and signaling a bright future for Fiji’s youth rugby program, backed by strong coaching and family support.
Fijian summary
Vakamacala ena Vosa Vakaviti
MGM e tubu mai tiko na nodra under-15 ki na final ni Deans Trophy ni nodra vakalailai nodra qito kei na Queen Victoria School e 15-14. QVS e topa ena lima na lewna ni tolu ni half, ia MGM e vakavurea na nodra qito ena dua na itukutuku ni pick-and-drive me wina 14-12. Ni a curu na yellow card ki QVS me vaka na cala, MGM e qai vula na pole ni ivi me 15-14. E kau tani ga na QVS ki na gauna e muri, tarova ga na nodra vaka me balavu, qai torovi MGM me a tiko vakadomobula ki na final. E tukuna tale ga na soqo ni veikacivi vei MGM me baleta na nodra ivakarau ni lewe ni vuravura kei na veiqaravi ni rawa ni vakaitikotiko vei ira na matua kei na lotu ni vale ni vuli.
Note: The Fiji-language summary above is provided to offer a concise recap for Fijian readers.
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