The Invest Samoa Lakapi Championship has kicked off with Upolu winning their first match against Savai'i 25-11 at the Apia Park Stadium on Friday.

In the first half, three penalties were awarded to Savai'i, however, only two penalties kicked by Faafou Faamate were converted.

There were also two penalties for Upolu but only one was successfully converted by Malu Falaniko. 

Upolu also had the chance to score two tries, one from Owen Fetu and one from their team captain, Melani Matavao.

Before half-time, Upolu took the lead against Savai'i 17–6.

Coming back in the second half, a penalty was awarded to Upolu and Falaniko’s conversion was again successful.

Kelvin Masoe of the Savai'i team responded with a try, however, Amate was unable to add the additional two points to leave the score at 25-11.

The Upolu team is coached by the first-ever female coach, Filoi Eneliko, with both teams making few substitutions. While most of the Savai'i points came from penalties.

The majority of the Savai'i team resides on the big island and some are staying in Upolu due to work and school.

The match was mostly played in the Savai'i territory with most possession going the way of Upolu. 

And while both teams had their own strengths and weakness, it was Upolu that came out strongly with Savai'i unable to stop the momentum.

Attempts by Samoa Observer to get a comment from the winning team was unsuccessful as of press time.