Suva Grammar School’s captain and hooker Emoni Sereki attributed their 16-11 victory over Cuvu College in the Vodafone Deans U18 Trophy quarterfinals to their successful strategy of wearing down their opponents and thwarting their “western-style” gameplay.
Ratu Semisi Turaganivalu contributed 11 points in the win through three penalties and a conversion in the match held at the HFC Stadium in Suva today.
Anticipating Cuvu College’s style of play, Sereki said they deliberately aimed to counter their rapid offloading and fast-paced game in order to mobilise and capitalise on their forwards’ strength.
“First of all, we would like to thank God almighty for his guidance and protection on the team. We came in as second place in the southern zone,” Sereki said. “We knew that we could do it. We had to make all the sacrifices, the boys had to stay together and we had to come back strong and keep our wishes alive to win the Deans trophy.”
Heading into the semifinals next week, the Naitasiri lad said they would have to improve on their communication, bonding and defense.
Cuvu College struck first with a try by Josua Nakubu, though the conversion was missed. The score stood at 5-0 in favor of Cuvu. Suva Grammar School responded with a penalty goal courtesy of Semisi Turaganivalu, narrowing the gap to 5-3. Cuvu College extended their lead with a penalty goal by Lote Turagavuli, taking the score to 8-3. Suva Grammar School fought back, with Semi Junior scoring a try followed by Turaganivalu’s successful conversion. This swing put Suva Grammar School ahead at 10-8 at half-time. The two teams came back stronger in the second half, but it was Suva Grammar notching the first points of the half with a successful penalty goal by Turaganivalu, extending their lead to 13-8. Cuvu College fought back with a penalty goal of their own, closing the gap to 13-11 before Turaganivalu confidently kicked another penalty goal to seal the game.
SGS (1-15): Maleli Waqaivolavola, Emoni Sereki, Jeremaia Vukinavanua, Rt Jovesa Raivalita, Josese Rayawa, Josefa Galuvakadua, Joyvyn Rekisa, Sonnt Turagabeci, Rt Alipate Tabusakia, Matereti Kanaveilomani, John Hottes, Rt Semisi Turaganivalu, Semi Jnr, Semesa Caginivalu, Rt Tevita Sovalevu
Reserves: Seseoni Tamani Saula Botitu, Rt Sailasa Bolatagici, Robert Susau, Rt Emori Qareqare, Mosese Vilia, Josefa Saratibau. Sale Joe, Maia Nalawa, Jeremiah Ravatu
CUVU (1-15): John Powell Roko, Jeremaia Seuvou, Manoa Turaga, Josua Nakubu, Kiniviliame Salabogi, Napolione Locoloco, Sailasa Turaganibure, Rt Meli Ketenilagi, Kolobano Kuruduadua, Rt Nacani Virivirisai, Duacake Vulainabuwaha, Aisea Lotawa, Rt Irami Bokoi, Ryan Kuritove, Lote Turagavuli
Reserves: Isaia Vasa, Wame Rokotubuna, Taione Cakacaka, Tikiko Naboko, Vatiliai Lagivala, Asesela Seka, Isei Vatunino, Kilioni Vuniwaqa, Apisalome Qaniuci, Alipate Sakilaki
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 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 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
