The under-19 Bhasin Cup in the Crest Chicken Fiji Secondary Schools Hockey tournament has returned to Ovalau as St John’s College, Cawaci triumphed over St Thomas High School from Lautoka with a score of 1-0 in the final held in Laucala Bay, Suva. The Cawaci team showcased their strength, fulfilling their role as favorites on the new, fast national hockey turf under the intense sun.
Head coach Metuisela Masi expressed his joy after the match, highlighting the significance of the victory for the team and their supporters. He stated, “Oh boy! It’s a big thing for the team, the parents, and supporters who have been with us this entire week. Hard luck for our girls who lost in the final, but we are going back with this trophy, and that’s something to celebrate.”
The two teams had previously faced each other in the pool stages, which provided Cawaci the insight necessary for their successful performance in the final. Masi praised the effort of his players, noting that despite a tough challenge from St Thomas, they executed their game plan effectively and marked the key players from the opposing team.
Following this victory, the team will celebrate before returning to competition in the new year when they host the tournament in Levuka.
In other results, Sangam Sadhu Kuppuswamy Memorial College (SSKMC) excelled in the girls’ division, with their U16 team winning the Melaia Sandy’s Cup by defeating St John’s Cawaci 4-2 in a penalty shootout. Their U19 team also triumphed, claiming the Westmere Cup by beating St John’s Cawaci 1-0. Additionally, Tilak High School secured the Noal Gibson Cup with a 1-0 victory over Marist Brothers High School.