Taula Eels too Strong for Vailima Navigators

08 June 2018, 12:00AM

Bluesky Super 9 Rugby Competition, Round 6 saw Taula Eels  of Vaimauga (Apia Rugby Football Union) overcome its closest and new rivals Vailima Navigators from Safata & Lefaga 56-36, in a fast flowing and entertaining game of rugby last Saturday at Apia Park. 

The Navigators played some really smart footy in the first spell and challenged the Eels really well, resulted in a seesaw tries scored by both teams. Halftime 18-10. 

The Navigators looked in control for much of the second half, with the score 36-49 to the Eels, however a solo break from Eels scrumhalf Ionatana Tino, finished off by their left winger Ivana Eli in the 76th minute set up the grandstand on their feet and sealed the win.  The Vailima Navigators threw everything at the Taula Eels in the final 10 minutes but couldn’t come up with the right resolution.  

Former Manu Samoa and Taula Eels captain Patrick Fa’apale was delighted and humbled with the victory. “We were expecting this kind of confrontations from the Navigators especially in the forwards, we knew they were a big squad and they worked really hard for this game.

They had some very good wrecking ball carriers, but I’m really proud of my boys for hanging in there. The trust we had for each other and the self-belief to just go out there and play some good footy paid off and finally we got the win.” 

President of Vailima Navigators Hon. Leaana Ronnie Posini praised his team for the great performance displayed last Saturday. “It was such an important game to win, it’s really put us in a positive position to move forward come the semifinals. “The Taula Eels captain Patrick Faapale was outstanding. He has done a fantastic job putting our team (Navigator) back foot for much of the first 40 minutes. He landed some great kicks into the corners and control the game superbly,” he commented.

Kirisimasi Fale scored two brilliant tries for his team. The Taula Eels veteran open side flanker was pleased with his performance and was awarded the Taula Eels Man-of the-Match.” It is always a pleasure playing in front of our supporters. The victory means a lot to us, especially our workaholic sponsor Taula…

The Brew of Samoa… for the never ending support right from the start.” Taula Eels attention now turns to the last two games of the round competition with the ultimate goal of winning this year Super IX for the second time. This week Southern Tornadoes from Falealili and Siumu will host the Taula Eels at Sapunaoa Primary School Rugby Field.

08 June 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>