The Lelelan Memorial School Under-18 rugby team needs to deeply reflect on their past experiences to qualify for the playoffs of the Vodafone Fiji Secondary School Rugby Union Deans competition.
Lelean Old Scholars Association (LOSA) President Vukinavanua Nawalowalo emphasized yesterday that maintaining discipline on and off the field must be the top priority.
Nawalowalo attended the matanigasau, a traditional apology, presented by Ratu Kadavulevu’s principal, senior students, and staff at Davuilevu. The incident of stoning at Lodoni on Saturday occurred after LMS students reportedly insulted the RKS boys while they were on their way to Dawasamu Secondary School for the Eastern zone competition.
“We have to be realistic; this is what teachers face every day in schools, and everyone has a role in raising children,” Nawalowalo said. “That’s why we involve stakeholders, parents, and alumni in shaping good citizens and respectable sportspeople. Rugby teaches students at all levels to be disciplined on and off the field.”
The LMS U18 team will play Tailevu North College on Friday for third place, while RKS and Queen Victoria School have already qualified for the quarter-finals from the Eastern zone. LMS last won the Deans trophy in 2014, and RKS achieved a clean sweep in 2017.
As a Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma-affiliated school, LMS promotes maintaining good relationships with all. “We need to be humble and disciplined on and off the field to secure a win this Friday,” Nawalowalo said. He added, “Nobody expected the incident to happen. Those involved in the rowdy act should have learned their lesson. It’s time to move on.”
The LMS U18 team will face Tailevu North College in the Eastern Zone Fiji Secondary School Rugby Union playoff at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva at 12:30 PM.