Nasinu escapes Holy Cross, Lelean wins

Nasinu Secondary School narrowly escaped a determined Holy Cross College team from Taveuni, securing a 21-20 victory in their Vodafone Deans Under 18 Southern Zone elimination match at Suva Grammar School ground. Holy Cross had established a commanding 17-0 lead by halftime and extended it with an additional penalty early in the second half.

However, Nasinu mounted a strong comeback after the break, scoring three converted tries to surge ahead 21-20. Despite Holy Cross controlling possession in the final minute, a miscalculation regarding the score led them to kick the ball out, believing they were still in the lead, ultimately costing them the game. The disappointment was evident on the Holy Cross players' faces as they realized Nasinu had secured the win.

In other matches, Lelean Memorial School continued its unbeaten streak in the Eastern Zone eliminations with a 26-7 victory over Marist Brothers High School. Lelean dominated the first half, leading 19-0, though Marist showed improvement in the second half, scoring a converted try. Meanwhile, the Western Zone elimination saw Ba Provincial Freebird Institute and Queen Victoria School play to a 29-all draw, with Ba Provincial awarded the win for scoring the first try.

Nasinu, Lelean, and Ba Provincial have all advanced to the national quarterfinals, scheduled for the following Saturday.