The Pesega College U18 team has dedicated its grand final victory over Nuuausala College in the BSP Schools 15s Rugby Championship to their late vice principal.

The team took on Nuuausala College in the grand final on Friday with the match going down to the wire with Pesega coming away victors in a 25-24 win with just one point separating the two in a nail-biting finish.

In the first half, it was Nuuausala that took the lead and went into the halftime break with a slim 12-10 scoreline. However, in the second stanza, Pesega came out firing and was able to grind out the win to seal the match. 

In an interview with the Samoa Observer after the match, Pesega captain Alauni Autagavaia said they've dedicated their grand final victory to the late Tuasivi Elisara, who was the vice principal of the college until his recent death.

"We dedicate our victory today to Brother Elisara who passed away, if he was still alive, he would surely be present and cheer for us today,"  Autagavaia said. 

He said the late former vice principal played an integral role in their preparations for the championship and contributed to their success.

Expressing confidence in their grand final victory, Autagavaia said he had total confidence in his team's ability to overcome their rivals and win the shield. 

"I was confident that we will become the champions of this year's tournament as we have been preparing throughout the whole year."

The only hurdle the team faced, according to Autagavaia, was the passing of their late vice principal which shocked every player in the team. 

Nonetheless, the 17-year-old acknowledged the support of their families, friends, and Pesega College teachers who contributed to their preparations and well as thanked God for his blessings.

Despite their loss in the grand final and being runner-up in the BSP Schools 15s Rugby Championship, Nuuausala fans and sympathisers said they were still proud of the team's efforts and their ability to make it to the grand final. 

Meanwhile, the Palauli Sisifo College U18 team won the grand final in the female division when they defeated Safata College. 

The team's captain Madeleine Faalelea told Samoa Observer that she is proud to be the captain of the team and the effort they put into the tournament to represent Savai'i.

"Three are many times that Palauli Sisifo won in the 7s tournament. This is the first time that we managed to become the champions of the 15s rugby tournament and I must say I am so proud," Faalelea said. 

"Thanks to the heavenly father for all that he has done, I also want to acknowledge the support and prayers of my school, our parents and friends who are here today, and those who couldn't make it here today but have sent their encouraging messages, we appreciate you all."

The aim of the 2023 Schools 15s Rugby Championship, which is sponsored by BSP Samoa Limited, was to deliver a high-level professional event that provided players, coaches, and management with high-level competition experience. It was also seen as an opportunity for the students to showcase their talents on the national level.