[Source: FSSRL / Facebook]

There will be a new holder of the Fiji Secondary School Under-19 Vodafone Trophy this year after Queen Victoria School lost in the South/East Zone quarterfinals last weekend.

This means QVS is out of the national quarter-finals.

QVS Knights were defeated 10-16 by Marist Storms in the zone quarter-finals last weekend.

Only their U15 and 17 grades have qualified for the national quarters.

FSSRL South/Eastern Zone President Penaia Qalituraga says this shows that all schools have prepared well this year and their pre-season programs are paying dividends.

“Schools rugby league has changed. A new year come, a new level of playing field, a new level of fitness and game skills.”

He also credits the coaches for the team’s improved performance and thanked the development officers from the Fiji
National Rugby League for reaching out to the schools and assisting the players with the basic skills and rules of the game.

Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata and Fiji Bulikula captain Josephine Maejiirs have been visiting schools for similar clinics.

Marist’s win over QVS sees them clinch the Tanoa Shield they last held in 2016.

The team presented the Tanoa to the school yesterday.

Meanwhile, the South/East Zone semifinals will be held this weekend with RKS Eels taking on Nasinu Panthers and
Naitasiri Warriors playing Marist Storm in the U19.