Apia Maroons won the first leg of the Samoa Rugby Union’s Women’s National Sevens for 2019, which was played at the LDS Church College of Pesega field.

They won three of three round robin games, beating Taga - Savaii, Aleipata and Aana Blues.

Apia vice captain Tausiva Lauina said her team were grateful to have made a strong start to the series.

“Praise God for that because it was all him.

“I have to give it to the girls for putting in the effort today.”

She said the team were also fortunate to have coach Auimatagi Sapani Pomare, and he was another reason they played so well.

“We’re so grateful for him just raising his hand.

“Hardly any men who would put up their hand to coach a women’s team.

“The knowledge, experience he has, we’re pretty grateful for that.”

Lauina said the other teams were strong as well.

“There’s really good potential with the girls, I see a lot of new players.

“I’m grateful for the rugby union for having this programme and tournament for the girls.”

The Samoa Rugby Union will look to put together a training squad to compete at the Pacific Games, with this tournament a big part of the selection process.

“It’s a good opportunity for the local girls,” Lauina said.

She said all the players are stepping up with the Games being held in Samoa.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, this is your time.”

Taga - Savaii finished second at the tournament, with their one loss coming against Apia.

Coach Vaovasamanaia Tuua Tamala said most of the girls in his team are from Savaii, but are based in Upolu for school.

“They train here everyday, but I work in Savaii, I just came early this morning to work with them.”

He said coaching from afar is not too difficult.

“Basically they have the knowledge and the skills of the game.”

Vaovasamanaia said the tricky part was leading a team of females as a male.

“I thank them for their belief... their trust in us to lead the team.”

He said he was really happy with Taga’s results at the tournament.

“Our first time to play in the SRU tournaments, to be 2nd we’ve done very well.”

Vaoavasamanaia said there were encouraging signs heading into next week.

“We’re gonna come out better than today, hopefully we can be the best next week.”

He thanked the team’s supporters, the village of Taga, and God for giving them the strength to play the game.

But above all he thanked the girls for their effort

“Bearing with me being the coach and what I’ve said, sometimes I go over the line but that’s being a coach I guess.”

Taga’s Sanita Mua won the tournament MVP award.

Results

APIA MAROONS 17 v 12 TAGA - SAVAII

AANA BLUES 12 v 21 ALEIPATA

APIA MAROONS 27 v 5 ALEIPATA

AANA BLUES 0 v 29 TAGA - SAVAII

APIA MAROONS 24 v 5 AANA BLUES

TAGA - SAVAII 22 v 12 ALEIPATA

Table

1st. APIA MAROONS: 9 points

2nd. TAGA - SAVAII: 7 points

3rd. ALEIPATA: 5 points 

4th. AANA BLUES: 3 points