Queen Victoria School breaks an 11-year jinx as they seize the Vodafone Deans Trophy under-14 crown, while Suva Grammar, Gospel High and Ratu Kadavulevu School also post strong showings on a dramatic, sell-out finals day at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Highlights from yesterday’s 70-minute finals across the junior and under-19 grades:
– Under-14: Queen Victoria School defeated Suva Grammar School 17-15 to claim the trophy, ending an 11-year drought for QVS and marking them as the only QVS team in the finals this year.
– Under-15: Suva Grammar School prevailed over Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School 27-24, delivering a competitive and hard-fought win for the Veiuto outfit.
– Under-16: Suva Grammar School handed Gospel High School a 40-8 defeat in a one-sided final that underscored Grammar’s growing depth across age groups.
– Under-17: Ratu Kadavulevu School edged Lelean Memorial School 31-22 in a fast-paced, tightly contested battle that left little room for a clear early lead.
The day drew a capacity crowd, with officials confirming the venue would close to ticket buyers shortly after 3 pm as emotions ran high and supporters packed the stands.
What it means for Fiji rugby
– Queen Victoria School’s U14 title adds to QVS’s storied Deans Trophy legacy and signals continued strength in the development pathway at the school.
– Suva Grammar’s performances across multiple age groups highlight the depth and consistency of their rugby program, reinforcing their status as a rising force in Fiji secondary school rugby.
– The day showcased the breadth of talent across the islands, with established programs and emerging clubs delivering high-calibre rugby that bodes well for the sport’s future in Fiji.
Added value for readers
– The day reinforced the Deans Trophy’s role as a proving ground for young players who may progress to higher levels in Fiji rugby, including potential appearances in national age-group selections.
– The sold-out crowd and the stadium’s busy atmosphere reflect growing fan engagement and community support for school rugby in Suva and across the country.
Summary
A landmark Deans Trophy finals day in Suva saw Queen Victoria School end an 11-year wait in the U14 ranks, while Suva Grammar and RKS also delivered impactful performances across other age groups, culminating in a memorable, high-energy event that highlighted the strength and promise of Fiji’s youth rugby pipeline.
Optional note for editors
– Consider adding quotes from coaches or school representatives in follow-up pieces to capture the immediate reactions and plans for sustaining momentum into next season.
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