Taumeasina Island Resort Moataa clinched a nail-biting 27-25 win over SCOPA at the HPU field, Tuanaimato on Saturday evening to hold onto the challenge shield.

SCOPA was the first to put their name on the scoreboard with a try to lead 5-0 within the first 10 minutes of the first half.

Moataa responded with a try and a successful conversion, taking the lead from SCOPA, 7 - 5. This lead was extended through a penalty just before half time. The teams went into the breather with Moataa leading 10-5.

SCOPA went on the attack and drew first blood again in the second half with a try. The conversion was unsuccessful tying the teams at 10-10.

SCOPA was on a roll and scored another try and yet again failed to convert it but led 15-10. Moaata responded with a converted try to soar into the lead again by 17-15.

Another converted try and a penalty by Moataa saw the team gain 10 more points. SCOPA responded with two tries but the kicking bloots let them down as they failed to convert any of the two tries.

Moataa skipper Itifusi Matamu said the game had a lot of lessons for his team. He said work needed to be done to his team's discipline. 

"We did not take this game lightly, we prepared for it to the best of our ability, but SCOPA also came to make their statement. SCOPA also came to win, but we are happy that we managed to retain the shield," he said. 

"There is much work that needs to be done for our team after this match. For our team, the factor affecting our team is getting our players to the field every evening. But every weekend we try our best to build and improve our play, especially since upcoming teams are the strongest in the tournament.

"Work that needs to be done with our team's discipline, set pieces, scrums, and decision-making. During our preparations, our management and coaches always stressed the importance of having good discipline on and off the field, but I think we failed today.

"There were times when the matches can be very heated, and we get impatient, that's when violent thought kicks in. But yes, we will be working on our discipline again and come back stronger."

Moataa will also be celebrating 100 years of rugby this year, and skipper Itifusi hopes to retain the shield for the rest of the tournament. It will be their gift to the village and the old boys of the Moataa Rugby.