BAPS Vaimoso went into the field on Saturday with the mission to secure the Challenge Shield, and they did just that. Vaimoso cemented their 21 - 14 victory against TIR Moataa at HPU field, Tuanaimato. 

Vaimoso centre Faaliliu Mitivao Laititi said their preparations towards the match were tough. They came with a goal and he is grateful that they delivered it.

"I believe it's been six or seven weeks since the tournament kicked off, and we finally got a chance to challenge the shield. We were actually looking forward to this game, we wanted to achieve our team's goal which was to secure the shield for us and defend it," he said.

"And Jesus has answered our prayers, but we also acknowledge our brothers from Moataa for putting up a great game today.

"Majority of the work that we did this week was trying to get our forwards and backs to work together so that we can communicate in the field. It is very important to have that communication between players and to know our calls. 

"Before we went into the field, we knew that if want to get the shield we had to put in our best, and now that we have the shield, we will lift our preparations as well. The next game against BBE Vaiala is not to be taken lightly. They are one of the toughest teams in the competition as well."

Moataa held the shield for three weeks after taking it back from Moamoa Roosters. Unfortunately, they could not hold on to it this week.

Mistakes by Moataa cost them the game. Vaimoso continued to put pressure and played in Moataa's territory for most of the 80 minutes.

Faaliliu also mentioned that more improvements were needed to the team's discipline. He believes that his team's discipline was not quite there during the game, but he is grateful for the old boys who were playing and settled things down and controlled the team.