In a major upset during the finals of the U17 grade of the Deans Southern Zone finale at the HFC Stadium in Suva today, newcomers MGM defeated Marist 17-13.
Marist were unable to match the physicality and skill of the MGM side, whose backs performed just as impressively as their forward pack.
Marist opened the scoring in the first half via a successful penalty, but MGM swiftly countered with two successive tries, establishing a halftime lead of 12-3. In the second half, Marist managed to reduce the margin to six points through a penalty goal. However, MGM responded with another try to widen their lead. Marist did score one try, which was converted, and they attempted to stage a comeback. Unfortunately, time ran out before they could change the final outcome.
In other games played, Suva Grammar beat Marist 15-12, while Marist secured a victory over Grammar with a score of 17-5 in a different match. Marist won over Grammar 19-12 in the U16 final. In the U19 grade, Marist beat Lomary 19-12.
