BAPS Vaimoso made a loud and clear statement after upsetting Apia Maroons, 18 - 6 on Saturday at HPU field, Tuanaimato to become the Challenge Shield holders for the year. 

Vaimoso entered the field to keep the shield. The team claimed that the shield rightfully belonged to them.

BAPS Vaimoso captain Bob Kaisa said preparations throughout the week were the same as every other week. However, they knew they had a job to finish and that's what they did on Saturday at Tuanaimato.

"It's been three years since Tama o le Mau was able to challenge the Shield when Moataa had it. That was our goal for that match, we had to win, and we had to get that Shield no matter what. When we secured the shield, we set a new goal which is to cement the shield here in our village. It's been ages since we've separated from the shield," he said.

"Now that the shield is ours, it is here to stay, and it's not going anywhere else come next year or the following year. Shield is home. Our training has paid off, from week one to week nine. I am very proud of the boys, rugby is not an individual sport it is a team sport. 

"An individual star cannot shine without teamwork. So hats off to the boys, and grateful to our villages, families, friends, and supporters." 

Pilisi Matoka was named the Most Valuable Player of the Match on Saturday.

After receiving the shield, the team paraded from Tuanaimato around the town clock and back to Vaimoso where they were welcomed by the village.

Their parade also caused traffic around the town clock as well as at the four-way intersection at Vaimoso. 

A paramount chief of Vaimoso, Mataia Enele expressed gratitude to the management and team for their effort and hard work and for putting Vaimoso on top again with rugby.

"We were at the field to cheer and support the boys, we can only give thanks. We also acknowledge the team from Apia for a good game. We understand it was a tough game. Thank you to our team and management, you all did a great job," he said. 

"You won this for the village. Continue using your talent and skills for good. The village is always supporting you all. We acknowledge our neighbouring villages who have boys playing in our team. Vaimoso rugby team is a family. On behalf of our village of Vaimoso, we say thank you. All we do is pray and support them. If we win, praise God. And if we lose, we keep encouraging our boys to keep on."

Round two will kick off next week until the 26th of April.