RKS completes Coke Zero Deans finals clean sweep with dominant U18 victory and throne over QVS
Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) produced a historic clean sweep in the 2017 Coke Zero Deans finals at the ANZ Stadium in Suva, winning every age group from under-14 through to the under-19. The highlight came in the under-18 final, where the Delainakaikai-based side outplayed defending champions Queen Victoria School (QVS) to win 20-5 in front of about 10,000 passionate supporters.
The U18 showpiece was a display of RKS’s pace and power. QVS, hampered by discipline issues that saw several players sin-binned, were unable to keep pace as RKS dominated both ends of the field. RKS opened with a missed penalty from fullback Saint George Sisi Talei after a yellow card to QVS prop Livai Natave. Talei later slotted a penalty to give RKS a 3-0 lead. A successful forward drive produced a try by flanker Josese Batirerega, though Talei couldn’t convert, making it 8-0.
Midway through the first half, a high tackle on RKS winger Taniela Soqonawasaloa resulted in a penalty try for RKS, extending the advantage to 15-0. The Lodoni side showed relentless attack and defence, with Mesulame Domonikibau crossing to seal the 20-0 lead. QVS then crossed for a late try through Natave, but the conversion was unsuccessful.
RKS vice-principal Walesi Soqoiwasa said the win was dedicated to the entire RKS community for their support during preparations. “This victory is the result of strong management, solid school backing, and the involvement of former students,” Soqoiwasa said. He added that celebrations were planned for when the school resumes in term two, expressing faith that the team would return as winners.
Context and value add:
– The Deans Trophy stands as Fiji’s premier youth rugby competition, and a clean sweep by RKS reinforces Tailevu’s deep rugby roots and the ongoing RKS–QVS rivalry that has long shaped Fiji school rugby.
– The U18 performance underscores the strength of RKS’s development pathway, highlighting a broad, multi-age program that feeds into higher levels of play.
– The win highlights teamwork, discipline, and a well-organised program, with support from the school administration, alumni, and parents cited as crucial to success.
Optional notes for publication:
– A short sidebar could profile standout players from the U18 final (names like Sisi Talei, Batirerega, Soqonawasaloa) and their prospects for higher levels.
– A brief explainer on how discipline and sin-binning affected QVS could provide readers with insight into how closely rules and conduct shape big finals.
– Consider a follow-up piece on how this hard-wought win might influence RKS’s plans for term two and beyond, including potential permutations in coaching and player development.
Summary in Fijian (with a subheading)
Veivakadewa na RKS kei na nodra veiqaravi ni Deans finals
Na RKS e tubu talega na kawa tabu ni Coke Zero Deans finals ena 2017, ka wini ira na nodra kaukaua kece mai U14 ki na U19. Na i u18 e vuravura ni qito e veisaqara tiko kei QVS, ka rau watina na RKS me 20-5 ena ANZ Stadium. E tiko kina na levu ni mataivalu kei na vakabulai ni veivuke ni veivakadonui, qai tukuna na qito e taqomaki tiko na RKS. Na QVS e lasa tabu ena ilakolako me rauta ni loma ni qito ni so na qito e sin-binned. E tukuna ni sa vukea na nodra mosimosi kei na veivakatorocaketaki ni skuli me ra tiko tiko ena gauna ni qito.
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