Self-belief has been the Gospel High School Under-15 rugby team’s driving force in their Vodafone Deans Trophy campaign.

This was the gist of GHS principal Iliesa Parker’s interview with SUNsports yesterday.

GHS caused the biggest upset so far in the competition when they beat favourites Ratu Kadavulevu School 12-7 in the quarterfinal last Saturday.

“Our coaches have been working on a few areas of improvements ahead of the semi-finals,” he said.

“Our area of concern is a few of our players have niggling injuries and we hope they can recover for Saturday.”

Parker said it was a great performance displayed by his players in beating RKS.

“It is the first time for GHS to be playing in the Deans semi-final competition in any grade, so they have created history,” he said.

“The team has a strong support system from the parents, ex-scholars and school management.”

Parker said the school was lucky to have a good coaching staff in charge of the team.

“The players have been advised to be more disciplined in school and on the grounds. The players have also been told to focus on the game during their preparations phase.” Parker said the players are eager to play in the stadium for the first time on Saturday.

“They have the opportunity to play a champions side like Marist who they haven’t met this season,” he said.

“We are really honoured to play a champion team like Marist who are also the defending champions.”

Parker has urged all GHS rugby supporters to don the pink, white and blue colours on Saturday.

“I want to invite the Gospel High fans to come out in numbers and support the boys. I also want to wish all the other schools well in the semi-finals.”

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