Taga are national sevens champions

By Thomas Airey 30 March 2019, 12:00AM

Savai'i club Taga won the Samoa Rugby Union National Sevens Series after winning the third leg tournament at Pesega College Field today.

The defeated Apia Maroons 22-7 in the final, having also won leg two last week.

Apia got the first try in today's final, but Taga scored four unanswered tries to take the win.

One of the tryscorers was Manusina Soteria Pulumu, who won the Series MVP trophy for her standout play over the three legs.

Taga manager Fetuao Elu Tamala said being crowned national champions was a fantastic achievement.

“I’m glad my girls proved that they can do it."

Fetuao said she had been challenging them since they lost to Apia at the quarterfinals of the Marist International Sevens Tournament earlier this year.

“Saying man we should have won that game, hopefully we get another chance to prove it.

“Now twice in a row? That’s fantastic."

She said she was so proud of the team.

“It’s good to see that they’re improving, that’s what really counts.

“Taking into account the fact that most of them came from Savai’i, it’s really awesome, the achievement is great."

She said the people of Taga are also very proud of their team.

“Even last week when they heard, they couldn’t believe it.

“Especially knowing that Apia Maroons are a really good team."

Apia coach Auimatagi Sapani Pomare said they made some mistakes which they will learn from.

“We’re disappointed, but this is rugby.

“Whatever result, we accept it."

Auimatagi praised Taga for their play throughout the tournament.

He noted that while it was no excuse, Apia missed two of their key players in captain Saelua Seleti Leaula and Lomi Mulipola, who suffered injuries last week.

“It’s good for the new guys, this is the chance to bring up their own skills.

“This is their chance to get selected for the Manusina Sevens at the Pacific Games."

Apia's Elisapeta Leti was named MVP for the third leg of the Series.

Final standings:

  1. Taga
  2. Apia Maroons
  3. Aleipata
  4. Aana Blues
  5. Marist Angels


Tags

Rugby union
Samoa Rugby Union
Grassroots
By Thomas Airey 30 March 2019, 12:00AM

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