03 February 2019, Salelologa, Savaii. The Frankie Tama Uli Salelologa have claimed the 3rd leg of the Frankie Savaii 7’s and also the overall Frankie Savaii 7’s series champions after defeating Iva White Lions, 17-12 in a close final yesterday.
Blockbusting Winger Tipa Sapeti touched down first and Paulo Toilolo missed the conversion. However, Ricky Ene of Iva White Lions replied with his individual brilliance and scored his team’s first points but failed to convert. It was a 5-5 draw at first half.
Gasologa Pauli extended Tama Uli’s lead early in the second half with a 50 meter break-away try. Toilolo converted extending their lead to 12-5.
Manu Samoa 7’s playmaker, Ricky Ene responded with another try and converted to level the game 12-12.
In the dying seconds, Gasologa Pauli sprinted to the corner and sealed the deal for Frankie Tama Uli.
Matamua Junior Salima, Coach of Frankies Tama Uli Salelologa said, “We are thankful for todays win. It’s been a tough week for us losing 5 players to injury but credit to our 7-men team that competed today and won this tournament.”
In other results, Moana Rentals Safotu won the plate final against Federal Pacific Insurance Fogapoa 27-0.
Iva White Lions were too strong against Lupe Siliva in the Cup Semifinals 32-0.
Frankie Tama Uli secured its place in the Cup Final beating Maroons 25-5.
Faasaleleaga Rugby Union President and Vice Chair of SRU Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chu acknowledged the business sponsors that made the tournament possible, Frankie Co Ltd, SSAB, Federal Pacific Insurance and Apia Lua Contractors.
“Thank you also to our media partners for promoting this tournament since day 1. We will now take a break for two weeks to prepare our teams for Marist Samoa International 7’s and come back and host our Top-8 15’s competition.”
