Ratu Latianara College’s under-16 Raluve side pulled off a season-defining victory, sealing the shield with a hard-fought 12-10 win over defending champions Sigatoka Methodist College. Head coach Ratu Vidika Kuriyalavou credited the win to a sharp focus on training during the week, with the field showing the rest.
“90 per cent of the job is done during the week, the 10 per cent is here. This is just a display,” Kuriyalavou said, underscoring the team’s belief in preparation as the key to the final result. He added that coming into the match, he and the coaching staff were confident they would lift the trophy, and praised the girls for sticking together and delivering when it mattered. “All glory and honour goes back to the Lord Almighty,” he affirmed.
The final pitted the underdogs against the established power, a clash described as a David-and-Goliath battle as Sigatoka Methodist College aimed to defend their title. The match swung back and forth, with possession and momentum shifting between the teams until the dying minutes. It was Nanise Donumaitoga who provided the decisive moment for RLC, crossing for a late try that shifted the balance and helped secure the 12-10 victory.
Prior to the final, Ratu Latianara College had booked their spot with a 12-10 semi-final win over Adi Cakobau School, a performance that set the stage for a dramatic championship game. Returning to Korovisilou in Serua after the win, the team celebrated not only the trophy but also a prize purse of $3,000.
Summary:
Ratu Latianara College’s U16 team showcased the power of preparation and teamwork, overcoming Sigatoka Methodist College to win the Raluve shield. A late winning score and a strong week-long work ethic highlighted a season of hard work paying off for the young players.
Positive spin and value:
– This victory reinforces the importance of disciplined training and team cohesion in youth rugby.
– It signals a promising future for Ratu Latianara’s program and the development pipeline for women’s rugby in the region.
– The win provides a strong morale boost for the school community and could inspire broader participation in school sports.
Suggested follow-ups:
– Player profiles on Nanise Donumaitoga and other key contributors to highlight rising talent.
– A look at the weekly training regime that Kuriyalavou references, offering other schools ideas for youth development.
– Post-season reflections from players on what the win means for future championships and potential youth pathways.
Overall, the match delivered a memorable ending to a competitive U16 season and leaves fans with optimism about the growth of girls’ rugby at Ratu Latianara College and beyond. Summary: RLC’s U16 team triumphed 12-10 in a tight final, driven by a week-long focus and a late-winning try, earning a $3,000 prize and setting up a bright horizon for the program.
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