“We are looking forward to fielding an Under-18 side next year to compete for the silverware,” he said.
Lami High School celebrate their win after defeating QVS in the U19 Vodafone Deans. Photo: Leon Lord
All the criticisms and allegations hurled at the Lami High School Under-19 rugby team during the Vodafone Deans Trophy finals had no effect on the players.
This was revealed to SUNsports on Saturday by LHS head coach Beniamino Kakaivalu after beating Queen Victoria School 20-19 in the U19 final at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium.
“The boys were on social media blackout,” Kakaivalu said when asked on how they had coped with all the allegations.
“It helps them (players) focus on the task at hand and also takes away the negative energy.”
Kakaivalu said the win was a start to a bigger plan.
“We are looking forward to fielding an Under-18 side next year to compete for the silverware,” he said.
Lami High School celebrate their win after defeating QVS in the U19 Vodafone Deans. Photo: Leon Lord
Looking back, the former Suva rugby winger said it had been a tough journey as they had to travel to Vanua Levu to play for the national qualifiers.
They beat Dreketi Central College 24-21 to make the national quarterfinals where they upset Ratu Kadavulevu School 11-5 and Ratu Navula College 13-10 in the semi-final.
“When we faced Ratu Kadavulevu School, I told the boys, it’s just the name of the school that is big. Our boys fought with all their heart and that was again evident today,” he said.
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