The Laulii Lions have defeated Moataa 33–19 in a major upset on Saturday at the High Performance Unit field at Tuanaimato.

But Moataa did not go down without a fight as they were the first of the two teams to score the first try in the match, though an unsuccessful conversion left the score at 5–0.

A few minutes later Laulii were on the attack which led to Neueli Tuautu scoring under the post and for Laaloi Leilua to add an extra two points with a successful conversion to lead the match 7–5.

A tactical kick-off by Laulii led to them regaining possession through Leilua after a high ball contest, which saw him head straight for the tryline to score under the post. A successful conversion increased their score to 14–5.

In the dying stages of the first half, Bright Tapeneko scored a try to add to Laulii's points with another successful conversion by Leilua helping to extend their lead before half time.

In the second half Moataa’s Paul Faalogo was penalised for foul play and sin binned for two minutes. The disruption in general play opened an opportunity for Moataa to go on the attack and score with the successful conversion taking the scoreline to 21–12.

Moataa was soon on the move again and scored another try, in a bid to catch up with Laulii on the scoreboard, and thanks to a successful conversion took the score to 21–19.

But Laulii, on the verge of being overtaken by Moataa, launched another attack through Bright Tapeneko who went on to score. 

But an unsuccessful conversion ensured the two teams were only separated by 5 points with the scoreline in Laulii’s favour 26–19.

With only a few minutes left before full time, Laulii put their rivals to the sword when they scored another try, which was successfully converted to enable them to win the match 33–19.

The Apia Rugby Union media spokesperson, Laifa Vaoiva Faletolu Petersen, said the series was a success and commended the consistent performance by Laulii Lions over the past two weeks.

"This was a successful tournament, judging by Laulii Lions performance in the two weeks, they have improved a lot,” he said. “They were in the finals last week but didn't make it, they were runner ups. 

“But today they made it to the finals and have successfully won it.”

Laifa also acknowledges the support of their major sponsor Taula Beverages and their other sponsors for supporting their events. 

Saelua Seleti of Apia Maroons was named the M.V.P. (most valuable player) of the tournament in the women's division with Bright Tapeneko for the men's division.

Thirteen teams who are all part of the Marist International Sevens tournament all took part in the event except for Tepatasi, Ulutogia and Safotu. 

According to Laifa, the sevens series is an annual event hosted by the ARU to kick off the season, especially to help the teams prepare for the upcoming Marist Sevens.

"Eighty per cent of the teams playing today are part of the Marist sevens but there are three teams who are not participating. 

“This is an opportunity for them to keep fit and to help with their training and preparations towards the Marist Sevens."