Moataa Break Apia Maroon’s Two-Year Winning Streak to Claim the Taula Apia Rugby Union Shield
The Taumeasina Island Resort Moataa Rugby Club have finally broken the two-year Apia Maroon winning streak to take the Taula Apia Rugby Union shield in a tough 24-18 match at Tuanaimato HPU fields this afternoon.
TIR Moataa scored three tries. One to Paul Faalogo who led from the front all day. A great team try put club veteran Frank Malloy over the line after he pulled a huge dummy to throw off Maroon’s defense.
Moataa’s third try was scored by Tulolo Tulolo whose boot also secured a penalty for his team. Apia’s two tries were both from Ivana Eli.
Speaking to Samoa Global News after the game Moataa Assistant Coach, Nuutasi Lalovi Tafua-Landkilde said the main focus in the off-season was to rebuild their club and the team.
“And so we used the lead-up to this shield game to start that journey. It’s a great start to the season and we’re gratefulf for the win.”
The Moataa Rugby team is coached by Sooalo Fono Pitoitua, a long serving local grass-roots rugby coach who has been part of the Samoa A coaching staff for several years and has led Apia Rugby Union in .any Provincial level tournaments including Suprr 9.
He is assisted by Ripine Fualau and Nuutasi Lalovi Tafua-Langkilde. Moataa’s Manager has also been serving the club for a number of years, Leatuolo Leilua is one of several women stepping in to Manage local clubs. Leatuolo is assisted by Liu Leoo and Oloniu Fred Hunkin.
Technical Advisor and former Manu Samoa 15s and 7s International, Falepauga Matamua Filipo Saena thanked Apia Maroon for the game and acknowledged the Moataa White fans and supporters.
“Congratulations to our boys and all our supporters especially the support of the elders and village of Moataa.
“This is a new dawn for the club and we hope to rebuild and keep the momentum going for the rest of the season.
Matamua also acknowledged Tuiataga Nathan and Taumeasina Island Resort for their support of Moataa Rugby Club for the coming season.
The Taula Apia Union season kicked off this afternoon and Senior Marketing Executive, Mulitalo Amosa Tupai said a few words before declaring the season open.
This is the fourth year of Taula Beverages support to the largest union in Samoa and Mulitalo confirmed the company’s ongoing support for the season ahead.
Mulitalo said Taula’s support to grassroots rugby is linked to supporting youth development and sport as an alternative career path for young men and women in Samoa.
Taula Apia Club Secretary Fuimaono Taala Laifa said the women’s competition will kick start from next week.
Other results in the Senior A saw Magiagi beat SOPA 24 – 17, Vaiala win over Laulii by 17 – 3 and Vaimoso put away Moamoa by 36 – 19.
Under 20 Results:
Vaimoso 5 – Moamoa 3
Vaiala 18 – 3 Moataa
Laulii 20 – 14 Lupeosoaga
Apia won by default over SCOPA
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