A significant error by the scorekeepers during the Vodafone Super Deans quarter-finals nearly resulted in a team being improperly denied a spot in the semi-finals. The under-18 quarter-final match between Cuvu College and Ratu Kadavulevu School concluded in confusion at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday.
Cuvu College emerged victorious with a score of 23-22; however, officials mistakenly announced a final score of 20-22 in favor of RKS. Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union president Jone Kanalagi clarified that the penalty try was recorded incorrectly, counted as five points instead of the standard seven.
Kanalagi confronted the scorekeepers to discuss the error after the announcement. “After the announcement, we reviewed the score sheet and noted the error. The executives are with the recorders to ensure that this does not recur,” he stated. He also advised the scorekeepers to refrain from announcing scores until they were certain.
Following the misleading announcement of RKS as the winners, Cuvu players were seen in tears while their opponents celebrated. The celebration was short-lived as officials later rectified the decision. Cuvu College assistant coach Samisoni Navatu noted, “The confusion stemmed from a penalty try that was not counted correctly. A penalty try accounts for seven points, as everyone knows. We swiftly addressed the situation and are relieved it turned in our favor.”
A source revealed that RKS had kicked the ball out upon being incorrectly informed by the officials that they were leading. FSSRU vice-president Biu Colati was observed discussing the matter with the scorekeepers following the match.
Prior to the quarter-finals, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro emphasized the importance of transparency and fairness in officiating the games. RKS is currently under a media ban and has not issued any comments regarding the incident.