An error by the scorekeepers during the Vodafone Super Deans quarter-finals almost resulted in a team being unjustly denied a spot in the semi-finals. The under-18 quarter-final match between Cuvu College and Ratu Kadavulevu School concluded in confusion as players from both teams celebrated at the final whistle at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday.
Cuvu College emerged victorious with a score of 23-22, but the officials mistakenly announced a score of 20-22 in favor of RKS. Jone Kanalagi, president of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union, explained that the scorekeepers failed to record a penalty try correctly, marking it as five points instead of seven.
Following the announcement, FSSRU executives held an urgent discussion with the scorekeepers, as Kanalagi demanded clarification on the error. He mentioned, “After the announcement, we reviewed the score sheet and noted the error. The executives are with the recorders to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.” Kanalagi advised the scorekeepers to refrain from announcing scores unless they were certain.
When the initial incorrect announcement was made, several Cuvu players were seen in tears, while RKS supporters celebrated prematurely. However, the joy was short-lived when officials overturned the decision. Cuvu College assistant coach Samisoni Navatu noted, “The confusion arose because we had a penalty try, but the officials never counted the two points. A penalty try is a straight seven, as we all know. We quickly went to address the scores, and we are glad that it went in our favor.”
According to a reliable source, RKS had kicked the ball out after being informed by officials that they were leading. FSSRU vice-president Biu Colati was observed speaking with the scorekeepers in the control room post-match.
Prior to the quarter-finals, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in officiating games. RKS is currently under a media ban and did not provide a comment regarding the situation.