Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School is headed to its first ever national Vodafone Deans under-18 quarterfinals. This is after the minnows made it to the final of the Southern Zone Secondary School Rugby Union- Vodafone Deans competition. They defeated Suva Grammar School 27-22 in the first semifinals at Buckhurst Park in Suva.
Team manager Hotashwar Padarath said they’ve attained their target for this year. “As first timers we just wanted to reach the semifinal, so the boys were told by the coaches to handle the pressure and stick to the game plan,” he said. MGM got the perfect start with two tries to Osea Tuilovoni inside the first five minutes of play and Sesoni Tamani 12 minutes later.
Ilimo Matadigo converted the second try before nailing another penalty to put MGM in front 15-0 Grammar’s only points came off Emilio Qoriniyasi’s boots as they trailed 3-15 at the break. It was anyone’s game in the second spell as the Lions picked up momentum sending Matailevu Tuibenau over the tryline just five minutes after kickoff. A two pointer by Qoriniyasi saw them close the gap 10-15.
MGM struck back with a converted try to Joseva Nokelevu but Grammar stayed in the game as Amena Tuivua barged over for a try. Trailing 17-20, Suva Grammar’s hope of a comeback was shattered when David Towdah finished off a beautiful team effort for MGM and Matadigo put the results beyond doubt with a successful conversion. A red and yellow to MGM handed Grammar a consolation try in the dyi.
