Ra High School have pulled off a major upset in the Vodafone Super Deans National Championship, after taking out the defending champions Ratu Kadavulevu School 12-10 in the opening quarter-final at Garvey Park, Tavua today.
Acting Vice Principal Seruwaia Nasau described the victory as a historic milestone for the school, which has worked its way through the competition from scratch to reach the national quarter-finals.
Nasau says reaching the Deans competition itself was significant for the school, making the quarter-final victory an even greater achievement.
She credited the players for their determination, teamwork and humility throughout the match.
Nasau also acknowledged the efforts of the school principal, team management, coaches and parents for their continued support of the players.
She says the team had received strong backing from the Ra community, with supporters travelling to Garvey Park to rally behind the side.
According to Nasau, one bus travelled with the team the previous day, while two others came directly from Suva and picked up supporters along the way before heading to the match.
She says the turnout reflected the pride and excitement surrounding the team’s historic Deans campaign.
Ra High School will now progress to the semi-finals after ending the defending champions’ title defence with a hard-fought 12-10 victory.