The upcoming finals of the 2025 Vodafone Deans Southern Zone showcase the intense rivalry between Marist Brothers High School and Suva Grammar School, particularly in the under-18 division. With strong performances throughout the tournament, both teams have booked their places in the finals, set to take place this Saturday.
Suva Grammar earned their ticket to the U18 finals by narrowly defeating Nasinu Secondary School 18-16 in a semi-final match that was decided in the final moments. Meanwhile, Marist Brothers reached the finals by defeating Nabua Secondary School, demonstrating their consistent strength throughout the competition.
This year has marked a notable resurgence for both schools, particularly after their disappointments last year when they were eliminated in the semi-finals. Suva Grammar lost 22-27 to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School and Marist fell 22-24 to a weakened Nasinu team, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament.
Adding to the excitement, Suva Grammar has performed admirably across all age groups, securing spots in the finals from the U14 to U18 categories. Marist’s U18 captain, Anthony McGowan, expressed pride in their achievements, acknowledging their finals spots as significant accomplishments. Suva Grammar’s captain, Brendan Leo, echoed this sentiment, sharing gratitude for their advancement to the finals.
The finals will take place at the Buckhurst and Bidesi Grounds, although specific kick-off times are yet to be released. The matches promise to deliver thrilling action as these two traditional rivals clash once again, aiming to settle scores from past encounters.
Given the history between these schools, the atmosphere promises to be electric, with a large turnout expected from the community. The excitement leading to the event indicates a bright future for these young athletes, offering them an invaluable opportunity to showcase their talents and possibly pave the way for future successes in rugby.
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