The Apia Barracudas team emerged champions of the Vailima Premier after defeating Letava Bulldogs from Vailima, 24 - 8, at ACP Marist Stadium, Lotopa on Saturday.

The Bulldogs jumped to a 8 - 6 lead in the first half.

But Andrew Wulf of Barracudas scored a try to give the Bulldogs the lead.

They never looked back, going on to score two more tries to seal the game.

Victorious Captain, Ionatana Tino, was a proud man and he acknowledged the good sportsmanship between the two teams.

"Thank you to our brothers in Bulldogs for putting up such a great finale," he said.

"Thank you also to our coaches, managers and the Samoa Rugby league for such a wonderful tournament. I am very happy and proud of the outcome today, and also thank our supporters who are always there to cheer us on."

Tino and Onepene Tuaia the captain of Bulldogs were awarded for showing great leadership skills on and off the field by being the Most Valuable Players for their teams. 

Samoa Rugby league president, Tagaloa Faafouina Sua, said he was pleased with how the game went and congratulated both teams.

"Well-deserved award for the two captains, you both showed great leadership skills on the field. Keep it up and keep going," he said.

Tuaia congratulated Barracudas on their win, and he also thanked the Samoa Rugby League for selecting him to be the MVP for the Bulldogs.

"Congratulations Barracudas, great game tonight. Thank you rugby league for this opportunity and for selecting me to be the MVP of the Bulldogs. Thank you also to our management, coaches, and team for such a wonderful job, I am still proud of them despite our loss," he said.

The tournament director, Laulu Tuugatiti Leauanae told the Observer Sports that the tournament was a great success.

"I am very happy, each week we see the boys all eager to get out and play," he said. 

"With our current situation with the SOE restrictions, it is very good to see parents, children, youths and rugby league fans come down here and support their teams. 

"We can see that after every game, the boys will all come together and talk nicely with one another as if they didn't hurt each other on the field. One thing about this is it keeps them together and united. For me this is what I call success."