Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School coach Antonio Raboiliku says his side’s 19-12 victory over Jasper Williams High School is a major achievement for a team that was not considered among the favourites.
MGM edged the Lautoka-based side in a hard-fought Weet-Bix Raluve U18 quarter-final at Garvey Park in Tavua today to secure their place in the semi-finals.
Raboiliku, a former Jasper coach, says his players deserved credit for the way they responded to the challenge.
He says Jasper was never an easy team to beat, particularly given their experience and reputation in Raluve rugby.
MGM went into the match trailing at half-time, but Raboiliku says the team remained confident they could turn the game around.
The coach says his knowledge of Jasper helped MGM prepare for the challenge, particularly against their dangerous runners out wide.
Although Jasper managed to score after MGM was briefly taken away from its objectives, Raboiliku says his players responded strongly and held on until the final whistle.
His message at half-time was simple — leave everything on the field.
Raboiliku also acknowledged the support the team had received throughout its campaign, particularly from the school principal, parents and sponsors.
He says the team had not entered the competition as one of the favourites, but had built its success through unity and hard work.
MGM will now turn its attention to the semi-finals as it continues its Raluve U18 campaign
