Ratu Kadavulevu School Under-19 retain Deans Trophy in a dramatic 18-17 win over Nasinu Secondary at the National Stadium
A young Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) under-19 side, led by 18-year-old John Senikarawa, clung to victory to retain the Deans Trophy in a pulsating final against Nasinu Secondary, winning 18-17 at the National Stadium on Saturday. The win secures RKS’s 16th Deans Trophy title in the 60-year history of Fiji’s premier school rugby competition, ahead of Neighbours Queen Victoria School (15) and Lelean Memorial (11).
The final produced a roller-coaster of momentum, watched by more than 3,000 spectators who witnessed disciplined rugby from both sides throughout. Nasinu started strong, taking a 7-3 lead at halftime after flanker Peniasi Seru reached for a try. RKS struck first five minutes in with a penalty by Josateki Sauvou, but Nasinu answered with a penalty to level the scores at 3-3 and then extended their advantage just before the break.
In the second half, Nasinu moved ahead further when center Sefanaia Tabua added a drop goal to push Nasinu to 10-3. The northern side then stretched their lead with a second five-eighth Akuila Momo try, giving Nasinu a 15-3 cushion. Sauvou’s conversion narrowed the gap to 15-14, and Nasinu appeared poised to push for a clinching edge as the forwards controlled the pack and the backline clicked into gear.
RKS refused to surrender, applying pressure with a stronger forward game and relentless rucking. They finally nudged ahead through a successful penalty by Utuvou to take a 17-15 lead as the clock wound down. Yet the final minutes belonged to Nasinu as they pressed for a late score, only for Sauvou to calm the nerves with a decisive late penalty that restored the visitors’ lead before the whistle.
In the closing moments, RKS supporters surged onto the field in celebration, carrying Sauvou and Senikarawa on their shoulders as the team’s flag waved around the stadium and fans cheered from the stands.
What this means for Fiji school rugby
– The victory reinforces RKS’s status as a powerhouse in Fiji’s Deans Trophy history, extending their legacy with a 16th title in the long-running competition.
– Nasinu’s performance, despite the defeat, showcased their resilience and ability to challenge one of the competition’s traditional giants in a tightly fought final.
– The Deans Trophy remains a crucial proving ground for Fiji’s young rugby talent, continuing to feed players into higher levels of the sport and strengthening the country’s rugby pipeline.
Summary
RKS’s nerve, leadership from Senikarawa, and disciplined defense carried the day in a nail-biting 18-17 Deans Trophy final over Nasinu, preserving a storied dynasty in Fiji’s school rugby and signaling continued strength in the development of young players.
Additional value-added notes
– The match highlighted the importance of experience and composure in the dying minutes, with Sauvou delivering under pressure to seal the win.
– A potential follow-up feature could profile Senikarawa’s leadership and Sauvou’s kicking prowess, plus a look ahead at how this win could shape RKS’s programs in the coming season and contribute to Fiji’s broader rugby talent pipeline.
Leave a comment