A significant error by the scorekeepers during the Vodafone Super Deans quarter-finals nearly caused a team to be incorrectly denied entry into the semi-finals.
The under-18 quarter-final clash between Cuvu College and Ratu Kadavulevu School ended in ambiguity as players from both teams celebrated at the final whistle of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union competition held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Cuvu College emerged victorious with a score of 23-22, while officials announced a score of 20-22 favoring RKS.
Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union president Jone Kanalagi clarified that the scorekeepers mistakenly recorded a penalty try as worth five points instead of the allotted seven. Following the announcement, FSSRU executives engaged in serious discussions with the scorekeepers, as Kanalagi sought immediate clarification on the mistake.
“Upon reviewing the score sheet after the announcement, we identified the error. The executives are now working with the recorders to prevent this from recurring,” Kanalagi stated. He also urged the scorekeepers to refrain from announcing scores if they were uncertain.
The incorrect announcement left some Cuvu players in tears, while RKS supporters celebrated prematurely, only for their joy to be cut short when officials confirmed Cuvu College’s win.
“The confusion arose because we had secured a penalty try, yet the officials did not account for the two points. A penalty try is always worth seven, as we know. We quickly rectified the scores and are pleased it turned out in our favor,” said Samisoni Navatu, assistant coach for Cuvu College.
A source indicated that RKS had kicked the ball out, believing they were ahead according to the officials’ earlier statements. FSSRU vice-president Biu Colati was spotted conversing with the scorekeepers in the control room after the game concluded.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro had emphasized the importance of transparency and fairness among officials ahead of the quarter-finals. Ratu Kadavulevu School is currently under a media ban and did not provide comments regarding the incident.