Samoa wins Gold at Commonwealth

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 22 July 2017, 12:00AM

At long last there is something positive about rugby.

Yesterdays, the Samoa Under 18 Sevens team secured gold medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas.

Samoa overcame England in the final, 10-5.

Kelvin Masoe and Frank Tato scored tries for Samoa before the English team pulled one back through Ollie Sleightholme.

 But it proved to be too little, too late as Samoa held on for victory, sparking jubilant scenes at the final whistle.

The celebration though was not restricted to Bahamas.

Back in Samoa yesterday, the Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Rugby Union, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai was a proud man.

It was a moment of relief after the grief of the past few weeks, no thanks to the Manu Samoa’s dismal results.

“The Gold Medal win by the Samoa Under 18’s gives us hope,” said Faleoavaega.

“There is a beacon of light at the end of the tunnel.”

The emotional Chief Executive Officer, said the disappointing losses by Manu Samoa has been hard to take but at last some great news.

“We are trying to keep it low profile, as we are still hurting from last week’s heart break. Nonetheless the hard work by Samoa’s sons in Bahamas is an achievement that will be celebrated, by all of Samoa." 

“What great news,” he added noting that all players are locals.

 “Some of them this is their first time traveling on an airplane and they get to go to the Bahamas. Their trip maybe a milestone for some of them and this win is a milestone for us and the timing couldn’t have been any better.”

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, who is also Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, also congratulated the team and the Coach, Rudi Leavasa for a job well done. 

Faleomavaega told the Samoa Observer, the Samoa Rugby Union will plan a fanfare welcome for the team.

 “They are returning with gold and that is something that should be a huge celebration for the team, players, families and the management team.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 22 July 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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