Eels conquer Chiefs

By Ulimasao Fata 29 April 2018, 12:00AM

Defending Champions from last year, Taula Vaimauga Eels opened its 2018 Bluesky Super Nine campaign on a high note. 

They played their main match of this year’s Bluesky Super Nine round one against Isuzu Aana Chiefs at the Apia Park Stadium. Taula Eels prevailed 30-10 at fulltime.

Both teams went head to head as favourites in the competition.

The Taula Eels were the first to score points in the game inside the first eight minutes, when No.8 Fagu Malloy, crosses over the try line, from a well worked set piece attack from their forward pack, and successfuly converted by Skipper and first five Patrick Fa’apale. 

Good scrummage technique and heavy forward pack of the Taula Eels earned them three consecutive penalties, which were all successfully converted by Fa’apale.

Constant heavy rain and the wet condition yesterday did not trouble the Taula Eels as they crossed over again for their second try from half back, Ionatana Tino. 

Isuzu Aana Chiefs finally answered back to the game, when first five Sofara Mai landed a penalty kick inside Taula Eels 10 meter line, just minutes to go before halftime.

The starting minutes of the second spell saw an improving attack by the Isuzu Aana Chiefs, scoring the first points for second half from half back Pupi A-See and converted by Mai.

Just as Isuzu Aana Chiefs was going to capitalise on their momentum to get back in the game, wet and slippery conditions took control of the match with countless errors by both teams.

Taula Eels was not going to settle for 26 points with just 10 minutes to go before full time, with second five eight, Gordon Lemisio, crossed over from a well worked set play and offloaded to skipper Fa’apale.

Isuzu Aana Chiefs Captain and Former Manu Samoa sevens captain, Afa Aiono said the weather will not be an excuse for their performance.

“We will work on our silly mistakes that cost us this game going forward.”

The man of the match winner and skipper of Taula Eels of Vaimauga, Fa’apale, was a happy man after the game.

Fa’apale first received a buffet breakfast for two at the Sheraton.

“I want to congratulate our team for their great effort through our preparation and this was what we hoped for to maintain on our performance from last year, but we just need to improve some of the things going forward,” Fa’apale said.  

Bluesky Super Nine Round One results

Vikings 43-26 Knights

Legends 29-31 Navigators

Eagles 18-16 Warriors

Eels 30-10 Chiefs

Under-20

Vikings 34-40 Knights

Legends 34-3 Navigators

Eagles 10-13 Warriors

Eels 24-10

By Ulimasao Fata 29 April 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.

>