Meli Laddpeter 
[file photo]
Tailevu North College delivered one of the biggest defeats of the Vodafone Deans Trophy competition, thumping Ratu Navula College 33-13 in the Under-19 semi-final this afternoon.
Less than five minutes into the match, Tailevu North struck early, breaking through the defense from 30 meters out to score the opening try and take a 5-0 lead.
Ratu Navula responded shortly after the restart, gradually pushing into Tailevu North’s territory and earning a penalty, which they converted to close the gap to 5-3.
Both teams added a try each over the next 20 minutes, bringing the score to 10-8 in favor of Tailevu North.
A well-executed set-piece inside Ratu Navula’s 22-meter line saw Tailevu North cross over in the right corner, extending their lead to 15-8 before the break.
Tailevu North came out stronger in the second half, adding a penalty kick to stretch their lead to 18-8.
They continued to dominate possession and territory, scoring another try minutes later to push the score to 23-8.
Immediately after the restart, Tailevu North capitalized on a loose ball and scored again, increasing their advantage to 28-8.
Ratu Navula managed to respond with a hard-fought try—their first since halftime—narrowing the deficit to 28-13 with 30 minutes remaining.
However, Tailevu North sealed the match with a brilliant break from 60 meters out, scoring on the left wing to make it 33-13.
They will now face Nasinu Secondary School in the final next weekend.
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