Blackie were too strong for the Roosters in the first week of Apia Rugby Union’s 15-a-side tournament shield match at SRU grounds this afternoon.
After BBE Vaiala’s Under 20 side took out Moamoa U20’s by 38-0 the Senior As retained the shield by 49-20.
SSAB Moamoa Roosters put up a good fight in the first half, with two tries to their 20 year old prop Aitasi Michael Tuvaifale. BBE Vaiala responded with 3 tries of their own to make the half time score 28-12.
Roosters returned in the second half and scored first to close the gap to 28-17. That was the only chance Blackie would give, as their forwards settled in to dominate scrums and lineouts for the rest of the half. They would score three more tries to secure the 49-20 win.
For BBE Vaiala, veterans Hugo Fata and Tulele Masoe each scored a try while last years Manu Samoa Uner 20s captain East Timor (ET) Faamatuainu went over for two tries.
Vaiala’s other two tries went to Wesley Patū and the youngster with a big heart wearing the No7 jersey, Fuli Fanaufouina. Kicking duties for Blackie was shared between Ofisa Faauma and Tauvaga Kolena.
SSAB Moamoa Roosters three tries all went to prop Aitasi Michael Tuvaifale who is one-to-watch at only 20 years of age.
SSAB Moamoa Roosters head coach Savaiinaea Gustav Slade said Tuvaifale is gifted and was unafraid to take on the veterans that dominate Vaiala’s forwards pack.
“He has been identified and is under the SRU High Performance squad so yes, Aitasi has a great future ahead of him,” said the head coach of Moamoa Senior A’s.
Vailele, coached by former Manu Samoa 7’s high-ball jumping expert Simaika Mikaele, will be challenging the shield next Saturday at the HPU grounds of the Samoa Rugby Union.
Other Results for 2021 Taula ARU Round 1:
Under 20s
Apia Maroons 17-16 Vaimoso
Magiagi 27-9 Letogo
Moataa 5-27 Laulii Lions
SCOPA 14-15 Leifiifi College
Senior A’s
Vaimoso 32 – Apia Maroons 19
Moataa 29 – Laulii Lions 23
AST Scopa 27 – Vailele 23
Lupeolesoaga 30 – Letogo 12
