RKS Eels stunned defending champions Ra High School with a 28-24 upset in the Under-19 semi-final of the Vodafone Fiji Secondary School Rugby League at Churchill Park yesterday, ending Ra High’s title reign and booking a spot in this year’s grand final.
The semi-final lived up to its billing as a high-tempo, physical contest, with both sides trading tries in a see-saw encounter. Ra High played with the confidence of reigning champions, but the Eels stayed composed under pressure and produced the stronger finish, holding on in the closing stages to secure the four-point victory.
RKS captain Sairusi Vela praised his teammates after the match, saying the squad remained focussed on a single objective. “We came here for one mission and that is to win, and I thank the boys for all their effort and hard work that has enabled us this win,” Vela said, reflecting on the collective effort that delivered the upset.
The victory sets up a new-champion showdown, with RKS Eels to face Queen Victoria School in the final. QVS reached the decider after a tight 14-10 semi-final win over Ba Provincial Freebird Institute, ensuring the grand final will pit two in-form sides against each other for the Under-19 title.
Yesterday’s results guarantee a new name on the trophy this season, a significant moment in the competition after Ra High’s recent dominance. The closing minutes at Churchill Park highlighted RKS’s resilience and game management, attributes that will be tested again when they meet traditional powerhouses QVS in the grand final.
Other age-grade results from the weekend rounded out the competition fixtures: Under-15 clashes saw GHS edge LCC 10-6 while Nasinu defeated RKS 16-0. In the Under-17s, SMC beat LMS 34-14 and Ba Methodist overcame RKS 16-12. These outcomes complete the semi-final phase across the divisions as schools now prepare for the finals.