There was a lot of action at the Tunaimato rugby grounds as the Taula Apia Rugby Union competition continued into its second week with the men’s shield game and visitors from Aotearoa joining the launch of the women’s round-robin.
The Men’s Senior A shield remains with the Taumeasina Island Resort sponsored the Moataa Whites after a 33-3 win over Letogo. The club are on a rebuilding stage and players have navigated back with the Whites proving too strong for the developing Letogo village team.
Last week TIR Moataa took the shield from Apia after breaking an Apia Maroon’s 2-year undefeated run with a 24-18 victory.
Taula Apia Union Club Secretary, Fuimaono Taala Laifa said the experience of Moataa’s senior players such as Paul Faalogo, Itifusi Matamu, Tulolo Tulolo and Johnny Vaili was clearly displayed on the field, “and that led to the uncontested victory with Moataa dominating from beginning till the end”.
Moataa’s Players of the Day sponsored by Taumeasina Island Resort saw Tulolo Tulolo secure the TIR voucher for seniors and No.8 Anesi Taulapapa for U20s.
The women’s 10-a-side tournament kicked off this week with No Idea leading Round 1 of the competition. The Taula Apia Union hosted visitors from Linwood Christchurch this week, led by Samoa’s long serving Manusina Captain and inspirational women’s rugby legend, Sui Tauaua Puaraisa who also plays rugby league.
Fuimaono says the Linwood women’s team are in Samoa for a short tour and they were honoured to have them participate.
“They joined our women’s round-robin and came second this week. It was great for the competition and coincided well with our first week of the women’s comp,” said Fuimaono.
The visitors also brought a gift of uniforms for the Taula Apia union’s referees, which was presented to Samoa’s international referee, Avii Faalupega Magele.
Striders finished the first week in third place with and Apia Maroons in fourth.
Standings for the women’s comp after Round 1: No Idea 9pts, Linwood Chch 7pts, Striders 5pts and Apia 3pts.
Other results men’s Senior A: Vaimoso beat SCOPA 39-21, Apia Maroons clipped a close win over Vaiala Blackie 17-14 and Moamoa defeated Vailele 25-13.
On the second week of the competition Vaiala is leading Pool A while Lupeosoaga is leading Pool B.
