Auckland Marist retains 30th Marist Sevens title

By Ulimasao Fata 18 February 2018, 12:00AM

Auckland Marist have done it again. 

The defending champions of the Vailima Pure International Marist Sevens defeated Apia, 12-0, in a hard fought final to secure their third title in as many years.

Played in slippery and soggy conditions at Marist Lotopa yesterday, the defending champs made the most of their opportunities, scoring a try a half to seal the victory.

Apia tried valiantly but they had little to offer an outstanding Marist team who controlled the ball well and kept their cool under pressure.

They did that in the first half after they were left a man down. But they hung on and finally rewarded when Penetana Smith scored their first try, 5-0.

In the second half, a similar infringement saw the Maroons suffer the same fate.

But unlike Auckland Marist, they couldn’t keep their opponents at bay.

Both teams played hard physical rugby but it was Marist’s ability to use the space well that gave them the edge. 

Captain Vugi Tagicakibau scored the winning try, which was converted for the final score, 12-0.

Speaking to the Observer Sports, he said he was delighted with his team’s achievement. He said the conditions were challenging and Apia provided a good final but he was glad they stuck to their game plan and it worked.

The day two of the 30th Marist Vailima Pure International Sevens tournament brought an extraordinary and excitement display of rugby from all the teams that participated.

The wet and muddy conditions of the A.C.P. Marist Sport’s Stadium ground did not stop the hype and excitement on and off the field from both spectators and the players.

Marist Barbarians and Moata’a team played the first final clashes yesterday for the Spoon trophy final. 

Marist Barbarians, who had Manu Samoa legends Uale Mai and Kalolo Toleafoa playing for them, lost to Moata’a side 19-7 at fulltime.

The second final clash yesterday saw Vaimoso team taking on the only team from the big Island of Savai’i, the Salelologa team.

It was a tough contest resulting in sudden death. At the end, Salelologa overcame the Vaimoso team in a thrilling 17-12 points at fulltime.  

Tepatasi team from Aleipata went away with the Marist Vailima Pure Plate after defeating Tui Samoa from A’ana in the Plate final contest 33-10 at fulltime.

The third and fourth place clash saw losers of the Cup semifinal went on head to head. Vailele lost to Apia Maroon in a thrilling semifinal contest which extended to extra time. Vailele then played B.B.E. Ulalei Vaiala team for the fourth and third spot, which B.B.E. Ulalei Vaiala won 22-7 against Vailele.


RESULTS

Spoon Final

Marist Barbarians 7 Moata’a 19

Bowl Final

Salelologa 17 Vaimoso 12

Plate Final

Tui Samoa Aana 10 Tepatasi 33

3rd and 4th place

Vailele 7 B.B.E. Ulalei Vaiala 22

Cup Final 2018

Auckland Marist 12 Apia Maroon 0

By Ulimasao Fata 18 February 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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