Apia Maroons cemented their win with a winning try in the last five minutes to beat Moataa 25 - 21 to snatch the Taula Challenge Shield on Saturday. 

It was a tough match between the two teams as Moataa tried their best to retain the shield. 

Apia Maroons led the first half by 18 - 5. However, Moataa came out stronger in the second half and took the lead by a point. The Maroons scored the last five minutes to snatch the victory.

Maroons skipper Anthony Taamilo acknowledged God's guidance upon his team and expressed pride for the effort his brothers put into this important match. 

"It was a great game against Moataa. Definitely, intense but we made it. The ball has come onto our side so all praise goes back to the Lord. We thank God for the talent, and we will be back next week to defend the shield," he said.

"I believe we did exceptionally well in the first half, but in the second half, Moataa's forwards were quite heavy compared to ours. As you can see, our team are very short and small in body size but we came back. That last score did boost our energy to defend well and ensure that the scores stayed. We did everything we could so that we could win."

Anthony said there was a lot of work that needed to be done in terms of their defence. 

The Taula Apia Rugby Union 2025 rugby season is in its second week. It will be on for 12 weeks. The next challenger for the Shield is SSAB Moamoa Rooster.