Lelean makes Dean history - Fiji Times Online (original) (raw)

WINNING Lelean Memorial School coach Jone Tabakau had his personal reason to celebrate the Deans Trophy triumph over Ratu Kadavulevu School 36-18 yesterday.

Lelean created history to retain the trophy for the third year in a row while Tabakau also bagged his third Fiji Secondary School title as a coach.

The Muani native from Kadavu won his second Deans Trophy title as a coach while his first was his U18 side in 2008.

Tabakau said RKS took them to the wire with their attacks but he was impressed his players executed their game plan well.

His pep talk to the players before the kickoff time motivated his warriors to retain the title for the second time under his guidance.

"I congratulate the boys for their gallant effort.

"We came to Lautoka to defend the trophy and not for picnic.

"The boys knew that and that was my message to them before the match," Tabakau said.

Lelean led RKS 23-15 at the break. The five tries haul to two from RKS was enough to keep the Deans Trophy in Davuilevu for the third season.

Tabakau said they learnt their mistakes in the semifinal and displayed a marvelous performance in the final.

"We respected RKS and we learnt a lot from our previous loss to them in Navuso.

"I believe the credit goes to the players for the gallant performance," he said.

"It's also the third title I've won as a coach and this is my second Deans title.

"I believe it's a personal achievement for me and I thank God for that."

Tabakau applauded the support of the old scholars and sponsors for supporting the team.