Five debutants featured today for newcomers and Southern Zone U17 champions MGM in their 27-24 victory over Lelean during their Vodafone Deans quarterfinal match-up at the HFC Stadium in Suva today.
Team coach Koroi Matadigo said his boys did just enough.
Reflecting on the match, Matadigo said: “Like I said this is the first time is taking part in the competition, and we are just very thankful to the Lord. All the glory goes back to him. They were just able to do just enough to get through. We are just humbled and privileged to be here,” Matadigo said.
Looking ahead to next week’s semis, Matadigo remains grounded.
“We will take the win today, and from Monday is back to the drawing board.”
Lelean opened the scoring with a try from Clement Vulimaimatavatucou which was converted, putting Lelean in the lead 7-0. MGM quickly responded with a try of their own, as Maleli Nasau bulldozed through Lelean’s defense to level the score at 7-7.
Momentum shifted as MGM capitalised on a penalty, with Viliame Lotawa slotting the ball between the posts, giving MGM a slim 10-7 lead into the breather. Lelean showed their resolve, roaring back into contention with a try by Masio Nacika, edging ahead 12-10. But MGM, undeterred, re-established their lead with a try from Joseva Nokelevu, converted by Lotawa.
The seesaw battle continued as MGM extended their lead further, courtesy of a try by Elijah Tuivanuaso. Despite the missed conversion, MGM now stood at 22-12, putting them in a commanding position. Lelean, however, showed their resilience with a try by Kaminieli Talanacolo, narrowing the gap to 22-17, although the conversion was off-target.
As the clock ticked down, MGM’s Mosese Tabuakoto added to their tally with another try, but the conversion was once again unsuccessful, making the score 27-17. Lelean refused to go down without a fight, responding with a converted try at the buzzer.
MGM (1-15): George Satakala, Emosi Tumania, Waisale Naitini, Vilisasari Bainivalu, Waisiki Curuqara, Jona Naitini, Tomasi Mawi, Osea Tuilovoni, Maleli Nasau, Viliame Lotawa, Joseva Nokelevu, James Liga, Akapusi Ledua, Elijah Tuivanuaso, Atunaisa Davuiqalita
Reserves: Joshua Emosi, Savenaca Cama, Seremaia Turagabaleti, Serupepeli Kunailagi, Serupepeli Sinumila, Mosese Tabuakoto, Peter Zinck, Eremasi Goneqali, Burelevu opeti, Ilimotama Torau
LELEAN (1-15): CLement Vulimaimatavatucou, Jona Tawake, Sevuloni Saqanaivalu, Taniela Waqavaatu, Kaminieli Talanacolo, Taniela Verevodi, Epironi Vusoniwailala, Rt Josua Lewanavanua, Eroni Biukoto, Pita Cakaunitabua, Masio Nacika, Rt Osea Dasalusalu, Nemani Sugubati, Navitalai Rawalai, Pita Semesa
Reserves: Josua Radrokai, Josaia Waqavolavola, Alipate Vaniqi, Ponipate Raiduduva, Taniela Voraki, Ilai Matakitoga, Josefa Tuidela, Rt Jone Vuki, Serupepeli Nailatikau, Ilimotaama Tamuriqai
Vodafone Deans Trophy FIXTURES and RESULTS SO FAR:
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 vs 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 vs Lelean (HT: 3-3)
U17
MGM vs Lelean, Cuvu College vs QVS (HT: 3-17), SGS vs RKS, MBHS vs Natabua High
U18
Cuvu College 11-16 Suva Grammar (HT: 8-10), Natabua High vs Lelean, QVS vs Nasinu, MBHS vs RKS
U19
Rt Navula College vs Lomary Secondary, RKS vs Naitasiri Secondary, Marist Brothers vs QVS, Lelean vs Ra High
SEMI-FINAL FIXTURES
U14: RKS vs Lelean; MBHS vs SGS
U15: SGS vs QVS, MBHS vs RKS
