Faaseleleaga 2 and Vaimauga 2 emerged champions of the Prime Minister’s Cup after two days of gruelling primary schools sevens rugby that ended on Wednesday at Moataa.

First timers to rugby Faaseleleaga 2 beat Palauli 29-5 to win the girls division, while Vaimauga 2 beat Aleipata 17-0 to be victors in the boys division.

The heat and continuous demand on fitness also took a toll on players, as a Palauli player had to be stretchered off the field and to the hospital. Despite the few setbacks, the two days produced some entertaining rugby from the Year 7 and Year 8 players.

Vaimauga 2 wins over Aleipata

The two teams met in the hot sun at Moataa Primary School. Vaimauga 2 in Red, the home team, faced up against Aleipata, a district known for producing some of Samoa’s finest rugby talents.

Vaimauga 2 players were bigger and enjoyed the physicality of the game. The team played territorially and kept Aleipata mostly inside their half or in their 22. Constant pressure led to a high tackle and Vaimauga 2 took full advantage with a quick tap to score.

The second try was also from a similar play as the Vaimauga players kept moving the ball and a hand off from a tackle led to a second try in the corner. The two teams went to the breather with Vaimauga 2 leading 12-0.

The second half was the same story. The bigger Vaimauga players forcing Aleipta to make mistakes. However, it were the nippy and the faster players from Vaimauga 2 causing the damage in attack. The team scored one more try as players started looking weary and some fatigued from the two days of competition.

Vaimauga 2 coach Henry Kalapu said it was tough getting a team together and was happy that the boys stuck to the game plan.

“We just had a week of training. I felt that it was not enough. The focus was just fitness and getting the basics right. I knew that once those two were in place, we could cause an upset,” he said.

“We came with the mindset to play good rugby and I believe that was the key to our win. We found the first day to be harder. There were close games. I am proud of the boys.”

Never played rugby before

It was an all-Savaii affair in the finals of the girls division. Faaseleleaga 2 beat Palauli 29-5 in a convincing game. Many would not have believed that, up until a month ago, many of the players had never played structured rugby before.

Coach Situ Samoala said they had come to give the girls from the district an experience of what it feels like to play in a competition.

“None of the girls in the team had played rugby before. We had to start from scratch. Passing and catching and then set pieces. It was not easy but at the end of the competition, I am happy with the results my first-timers are returning home with,” he said.

“Perhaps, the support from parents and the district saw us through.”

A passion ignited

Faaseleleaga 2 captain Faapepele Petelo has ambitions of becoming a coach. The 12-year-old believes that she will not be giving up on the sport anytime soon.

“I found rugby exciting and it was fun playing with the girls. I think we got well together and that is why we played better as a team,” she said.

“I want to continue playing rugby. If there is a chance for me to grow and represent Samoa one day, I want to do that. My family has supported me all the way.

“I think I would like to become a rugby coach after I finish school. I think there is a future there and being part of a rookie team made me realise how important the role of a good coach can be.”

For now, the team with its supporters made up of mothers, retired to their camp at Vaivase Primary School. The team will had back to Savaii with their spoils on Thursday.