Ratu Kadavulevu staged a late-game rally after the final hooter sounded in the main game of the Vodafone Deans Trophy U18 quarterfinals in Suva today, but Marist managed to maintain their grip on the game, securing a hard-earned 23-18 victory.
Marist progresses to the semifinals next week, where they are set to face their longstanding rivals from the Southern Zone, Suva Grammar School, as per match format. However, it is understood officials are considering rearranging the match-ups for the semifinal matches.
Marist’s Peni Tuiloma put the first points on the board when he bulldozed his way over the try line. The conversion was missed, leaving the score at 5-0. RKS, who qualified as the third-best team from the Eastern Zone, responded with Jonetani Gonewai crossing over for a try, leveling the score at 5-5 after the conversion attempt was off-target. In a tactical first half, Marist’s Lui Mainavatuiwai’s kicking secured an 8-5 lead, countered by RKS’ Jone Lee’s penalty for an 8-8 tie at halftime.
Marist continued their onslaught in the second half, with Mainavatuiwai breaking the deadlock with a successful penalty goal early in the second half. They kept the momentum as Ravuama Latilevu powered over the try line, converted by Mainavatuiwai, extending their lead to 18-8. Refusing to give up, RKS responded with another penalty kick by Lee, reducing the gap to 18-11. However, Marist remained unshaken, as Solomone Muakibau added to their tally with a try, although the conversion was missed. RKS responded with Inia Sivo’s converted try. Buoyed by the try, RKS made a final push after the hooter, but could not capitalise, mirroring their 2022 exit.
In the other U18 semifinals, QVS will take on Natabua.
In other grade match-ups for next week’s semifinals that will be played again at the HFC Stadium, RKS will take on Lelean, and MBHs squares off with SGS in the U14 grade. SGS and QVS are set to lock horns in one of the U15 semifinals, while Marist and RKS clash in the other. The U16 semifinal will see NAT facing off against MBHS, and RKS take on QVS. MGM and MBHS are set to clash in one of the U17 semifinals whilst QVS and RKS will clash in the other. In the U19 semifinals, Lomary take on Lelean whilst RKS take on QVS in the other.
MARIST (1-15): Eroni Sarasau, Kelemete Ligairi, Neville Amputch, Ezekiel Hughes Jerry Ravusoni, Rt Seru Vocevoce, Peni Tuiloma, Samuela Manu, Lui Mainavatuiwai, Samisoni Veiqaravi, Ravuama Latilevu, Seremaia Tuiqamea, Lario Nacola, Solomone Muakibau, Saula Rasaubale
Reserves: Tavita Qalobula Jnr, Filimoni Biulailai, Samson Rodan, Jiosateki Koroi, Alivereti Dere, Noa Waqavakalele, Inia Rokovasa, Joshua Waqainabete, Christian Taukei, Joshua Mae
RKS (1-15): Livai Tabanivesidrau, Jo Babiau Toganivalu, Tevita Voese Mataiwai, Joji Matairi, Aliki Fifita, Malakai Rokomua, Apisai Lomaivuna, Paula Gonekalou, Atunaisa Vakatawakoro, Jone Lee, Sekove Vatuloka, Jolame Turuva, Peni Torau Vuetimaiwai, Jonetani Gonewai, Maika Mara
Reserves: Viliame Kacilala, Inia Sivo, Mosese Talaitale, Tevita Koli, Rt Kolinio Naulago, Jedidah Seru, Waisea Tuiyabayaba, Jovesa Vunisa, Akuila Ceguadrau, Akuila Vodotagitagi
Vodafone Deans Trophy SEMI-FINAL FIXTURES
U14: RKS vs Lelean, MBHS vs SGS
U15: SGS vs QVS, MBHS vs RKS
U16: NAT vs MBHS, RKS vs QVS
U17: MGM vs MBHS, QVS vs RKS
U18: SGS vs MBHS, NAT vs QVS
U19: LOMARY (First Score) vs Lelean, RKS vs QVS
Vodafone Deans Trophy QUARTER-FINALS RESULTS
U14
Ba Provincial Freebird 0-22 Marist Brothers High School (HT: 0-3), Lelean Memorial School 13-7 CMF College (HT: 5-0), Tailevu North College 12-25 Suva Grammar School (HT: 7-15), Nasinu Secondary 5-25 Ratu Kadavulevu School (HT: 5-10)
U15
Cuvu College 10-26 Suva Grammar (HT: 10-7), QVS 24-0 Sigatoka Methodist (HT: 0-0), Lelean Memorial School 12-25 Marist Brothers High (HT: 7-10), Ratu Kadavulevu School 20-15 Nasinu Secondary (HT: 7-0)
U16
Suva Grammar School 12-23 Natabua High School(HT: 0-23), Ratu Kadavulevu School 17-7 Nasinu Secondary School (HT: 7-7), Xavier College vs QVS (HT: 0-12), MBHS 10-3 Lelean (HT: 3-3)
U17
MGM 27-24 Lelean (HT: 10-7), Cuvu College 8-22 QVS (HT: 3-17), SGS 19-23 RKS (HT: 14-15), MBHS 17-15 Natabua High (HT: 12-10)
U18
Cuvu College 11-16 Suva Grammar (HT: 8-10), Natabua High 13-12 Lelean (HT: 8-0), QVS 25-7 Nasinu (HT: 10-0), MBHS 23-18 RKS (HT: 8-8)
U19
Rt Navula College 17-17 Lomary Secondary (HT: 12-7), RKS 15-3 Naitasiri Secondary (HT: 23-15), Marist Brothers 12-22 QVS(HT: 5-5), Lelean 9-5 Ra High (HT: 3-0)
