Samoa A smashes Tonga

By Ulimasao Fata 13 March 2018, 12:00AM

Samoa A secured its first win of the Pacific Challenge 2018 tournament, walloping Tonga A, 40-10, yesterday.

It was a thrilling game to watch as the two proud rugby nations battled throughout the 80-minute game at the A.N.Z. Stadium in Suva.

Tonga A was the first to put points on the scoreboard from a try in the opening ten minutes of the game. Their other try came within the 16th minute of the game from their winger in the right flag corner.

Samoa A points came from tries scored by fullback, Ricky Ene, winger, Lucky Faasaulele, hooker, Gafa Su’a and center, Jay Malielegaoi.

Samoa A’s first five, D’angelo Leuila, made four conversions with fullback, Ricky Ene, nailing the last conversion from the left corner flag.

Samoa finally went on the score board when Ene crossed over for Samoa A from a well worked maul from the forwards within Tonga’s 22 meter line, before taking the ball wide to their backline.

Tonga A replied back with a try from a set play move from a scrum inside the Samoa A 10 meter line.

Openside flanker, Iosefatu Mareki, and Lock, Aukusitino Ulugia, missed out two other tries for Samoa A, knocking it on while trying to plunge it to the ground.

But it was not far when Aukusitino Ulugia claimed another five pointer for Samoa A, giving them a healthy lead before going to the break.

Samoa A came back from the break and continued on their momentum allowing Ene to cross the try line for the second time, followed by a successful conversion from first five, Leuila.

Samoa A hooker, Su’a, scored another five pointer for the team at the right corner post, when Samoa A reversed their attack.

Samoa A’ last try of the game just before the hooter sounded came from center, Malielegaoi. Malielegaoi scored Samoa A’s last try from an overlap space.

Tonga A were kept scoreless by the Samoa A within the second spell of the game.

Samoa A Captain, Henry Stowers, said he is proud of his team’s effort. He also thanked the supporters.

“First of all we give praise to God and the Samoan supporters all.”

“We look forward to continue from this, building up for our last game.”

Samoa A is set to take on Japan A for their last game of the Pacific Challenge Cup 2018 this weekend.

By Ulimasao Fata 13 March 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>