Moata’a won the Apia Rugby Union Senior A Shield with a 35-11 win over SCOPA at the SRU Fields at Tuanaimato yesterday.

They lead 10-8 at halftime, before cutting loose in the second half to score four tries to SCOPA’s nil.

Moata’a coach Leanna Malo Nofoagatotoa said his team wasn’t following the gameplan in the first half.

“At halftime, we talked about that and we solved it.”

He said they were pleased to get another Shield challenge and win, after losing their challenge against rivals Vaiala in Round One.

“Last year we had no chance for the Shield, now we have two chances and we have taken it.”

Leanna said while they would celebrate their first shield win since 2014, Moata’a still have two games to go this season.

“We’ll work hard for the two coming games, we know we want to hold the Shield for this year.”

He thanked the players’ families for letting their boys give up their time to train each week, because they don’t get paid for it.

“Thank you to the players, everybody who supports the team, the village and also the parents of the players, and all our fans.”

Captain Ripine Fualau also thanked the fans, supporters and village after what he said was a tough game.

“We worked hard the whole week to compete in this game.”

He said SCOPA have a good team, and the score was close in the first half because of their good work in the contested area like setpieces and rucks.

Fualau said it felt really good to win the Shield.

“It’ll be very hard for us to hold the Shield, but for two more games we’ll try to protect it.”

Apia Rugby Union Week 7 Results

Under 20

Lupeolesoaga 10-0 Moamoa

Moata’a 3-15 Alamagoto

Vaimoso 12-20 Leifiifi College

SCOPA 17-10 Apia Maroons

Under 20 Trophy

Vaiala 31-12 Vailele (Vaiala retain Trophy)

Senior A

Moamoa 19-7 Alamagoto

Vaiala 62-10 Vailele

Apia Maroons 14-17 Vaimoso

Lupeolesoaga Bye

Senior A Shield

SCOPA 11-35 Moata’a (Moata’a win Shield)