RKS clinches Deans U17 title with 31-22 victory over Lelean at Suva
Ratu Kadavulevu School produced a commanding performance to take the Vodafone Deans Trophy Under-17 title, beating Lelean Memorial School 31-22 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. The win marked RKS’s first Deans title of the year, with their U18 team set to contest the final against Nasinu Secondary School later on the same day.
Celebrations erupted as players, coaches, and families flooded the stands after the final whistle, confirming the trophy on Delanakaikai’s football field-to-pitch dominance this season. Team manageress Mereseini Vadei credited the victory to the school’s long-standing rugby culture and preparation.
“We trust that whatever we breed in Lodoni will come out victorious,” Vadei said. She explained that the team trained on the school grounds throughout the Deans competition, with the program’s success built on a holistic approach that emphasised mental and spiritual readiness as a precursor to physical training.
Before taking the field for the final against their Davuilevu opponents, the team’s mental and physical conditioning had to be at peak. Vadei recalled the coaches’ message that guided the players into battle: “they either do or they die.” The stark words underscored the level of commitment the boys showed on game day.
The victory follows a season in which RKS has demonstrated remarkable consistency and unity. Coaches and observers have highlighted the squad’s cohesion, noting that even as around a dozen players who began the journey have moved on, the current group carried the legacy forward with composure and resolve. The win also continues RKS’s rising rugby profile, with the school’s program lauded for its depth and development across age groups.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to defending the Under-18 title next year, as the coaches and players eye continued success and continued improvement. The Deans trophy run this season has reinforced the message that teamwork, discipline, and belief can transform potential into tangible silverware, inspiring other schools across Fiji to push for greater heights in the coming season.
Summary: RKS’s Under-17 team secured a 31-22 victory over Lelean to claim the Deans Trophy, capping a standout season built on unity, mental preparation, and a resilient, long-standing rugby culture. The club’s supporters and leadership are already setting their sights on continuing the success with a strong push for the U18 title next year.
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