Ratu Navula College has created history in the Coke Zero Deans under 18 final by being the first Western Division school to lift the Deans trophy after beating Queen Victoria School 19-16 in a nail biting encounter.
In a very intense match from the kick off, QVS drew first blood after a penalty in the first few minutes of the game to take the lead 3-0.
Ratu Navula hit back with a converted try to flanker Vasikali Mudu to take the lead 7-3.
Ratu Navula was reduced to 14 men after their fullback was yellow carded.
QVS took advantage of this and closed the gap to one point.
Playing with 14 men, Ratu Navula was not deterred by this as they scored another converted try to flanker Vasikali Mudu to take a 14-6 halftime lead.
Both teams started strong in the second half as QVS closed the gap to 5 points with a penalty.
Ratu Navula’s replacement hooker Poasa Driu scored their third try to extend their lead to 19-9 with 10 minutes remaining.
With less than 5 minutes left, QVS captain Mesulame Dolokoto crossed over the try line to narrow the gap to 19-16.
But Ratu Navula held their composure and kept the pressure on OVS to win the match.
Ratu Navula skipper Viliame Ravouvou said his message to his players during the match was to shut QVS out. Ravouvou said the also dedicate this win to all their supporters.
Meanwhile, Marist Brothers High School edged Ratu Kadavulevu School 22-20 in the under 19 final.
Also, four unanswered tries by Ratu Kadavulevu School saw them thrash Lelean Memorial School 25-0 in the Coke Zero Deans under 17 final.
RKS was in total control of the game from the first whistle until the match ended.
Lelean had no answer as they were well beaten by an RKS side that combined really well.
Earlier on, Marist Brothers High School beat Ratu Navula 12-3 to win the under 16 boys final in the Coke Zero Deans.
MBHS captain Simione Matanitobua said before the game he told his players to be humble and just play good rugby.
Earlier, a last minute try by Queen Victoria School saw them edge Ratu Kadavulevu School 8-5 in the Coke Zero Deans under 15 final.
RKS was leading 5-3 with just a few minutes remaining to full time when a QVS player was red carded.
The Lodoni side looked like they had won the match when QVS captain Kinivuwai Veitata touched down to break the hearts of the RKS players.
Meanwhile, Natabua High School beat Queen Victoria School 23-7 in the under 14 Deans final.
Natabua winger Jope Vakaloloma touched down twice to help his side beat QVS.
Vakaloloma also won the Best Player award.
Story by: Filipe Naikaso
Feature
Ratu Navula creates history winning Deans title
