Niusawa Methodist High School aims to make its mark in the history of Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union. The under-16 team is enjoying a remarkable journey in the Weet-Bix Raluve championship, having achieved a surprising victory against Adi Cakobau School, winning 22-17 in the semi-finals over the weekend.
This season has been filled with milestones for the team, as they have reached the quarter-finals, progressed to the semi-finals, and now secured their first-ever spot in the final. Notably, Niusawa is the only school from the Northern Division to reach this stage this year.
Head coach Setareki Hawea expressed his pride in the girls’ accomplishments and performances throughout the tournament. “I am very proud of the girls and the performance plus the result they produced each week. We came up to the quarter-finals for the first time, advanced into the semis and now we are on our way to the final. This was truly unexpected,” he stated.
The team’s triumph over a formidable opponent like ACS serves as a significant motivational factor as they prepare for the final. Hawea mentioned, “We don’t have the size; the ACS girls were way bigger than us, but all I can say is we had prepared well with the belief that we can win. The girls were committed to their training every morning and afternoon, and they were mentally ready for this match.”
Niusawa will face the in-form Sigatoka Methodist High School in the final, scheduled for Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Sigatoka had a commanding performance in their semi-final match, defeating Lelean Memorial School 48-0 at Buckhurst Park last weekend.