Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The final day of the 5th Coca Cola Marist Pago Flag Day International Sevens 2024 Tournament last Saturday, showcased some spectacular upsets, fierce competition that went into additional time and culminated with Siumu on their first appearance, defeating defending champions Marist St. Joseph to take home the Governor Lemanu's Cup and $13,000.

The relatively unknown Siumu team whose only claim to fame was their captain, former Manu Samoa Sevens player Siaosi Asofolau, muscled their way through pool play edging past Malie Sharks by 14 to 10,  then thrashed Iva White Lions 33- 0 but narrowly lost to Apia Maroons 12- 7 on Day 1, qualifying for the Cup Quarterfinals.

Day 2 was sunny but cloudy, which sporadically shielded the players from the hot rays of the sun, providing ideal weather conditions for the unfolding quarterfinals action.

Many anticipated that the sevens powerhouses like Moata’a, Marist St. Joseph, Tepatasi and Marist Hawaii would have no problem dismissing their respective opponents and progress to the semifinals.

Moata’a Rugby Club, one of the dominant forces in rugby sevens in Independent Samoa over the years, won the Inaugural Marist St. Joseph’s International Sevens Tournament in 1988 by defeating Marist St. John’s from Fiji.

Since then, they have lifted the Marist Samoa 7s title eight times and have produced some of Samoa’s most recognizable 7s players with the likes of Sir Michael Jones, To’o Vaega, Filipo Saena, Alefaio Vaisuai, Toa Samania and Marist Pago Guest of Honor, Lolo Lui to name a few.

After winning all its pool games, dismantling Marist St. Joseph 17- 7 in the process, Moata’a was scheduled to face underdogs Siumu in the first Cup quarterfinals.

Everyone except for the die-hard Siumu supporters thought that the game would just be a formality Moata’a had to perform on its way to the semis.

But they didn’t count on the steadfast resolve of Siaosi Asofolau and his Siumu warriors who were not in the least intimidated by their opponents, and were prepared to persevere at all costs in order to advance to the next level of the competition.

CUP QUARTERFINALS:

Moata’a vs. Siumu

Intense action commenced as soon as the whistle sounded for kick-off as Moata’a attacked the Siumu defense looking for a gap.

However, Siumu stood their ground and defended their territory launching attacks of their own when they had possession of the ball.

Siumu captain Asofolau who would eventually be named as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), was instrumental in their defensive effort out wide where he played at inside back.

It was about halfway into the game when Siumu was penalized near the middle of the field, and Moata’a kicked for touch which earned them a lineout inside Siumu’s 22-meter line.

Winning the throw-in, Moata’a passed the ball down the width of the field but could not penetrate the Siumu defense, then passed it back until it got to winger Tufi Fualau on overlap who then dived over to draw first blood.

The conversion attempt was unsuccessful and Moata’a’s lead remained at 5-0.

Not to be outdone, Siumu replied immediately with skillful passing creating an overlap for Efeso Tavita who crossed the line to dot down not far from the uprights for their first points, less than a minute before halftime.

Unfortunately, the conversion attempt was not successful and the score leveled at 5- 5 at halftime.

In the second spell, the two teams were at it again trying to break through each other’s defense without success, until Moata’a was penalized for not releasing the ball.

Without hesitation, the Siumu halfback quick-tapped the ball and flicked it to their winger who caught the ball at full speed, sprinting past the Moata’a players who still had their backs turned and crossed into the Moata’a half of the field before being tackled.

Offloading to his teammates who were scattered out wide, they continued their forward attack with captain Siaosi Asofolau in the midst until finally, fly-half Tauvaga Kolena managed to slip through the scattered Moata’a defense to touch down under the uprights.

The try was converted putting them in the lead for the first time at 12-5.

With time ticking away, Moata’a suddenly found themselves in a difficult predicament where they had to come up with another converted try to level the score again.

Desperately, they attacked with fervor running the ball in broken play and would have scored the equalizer, had the ball not been dropped by their reserve player who had only just joined the action.

By then, only seconds were remaining and Siumu who had won the scrum ran the ball to their backs when the final hooter sounded. Hearing the signal for the end of the game, the ball carrier immediately kicked it outside as his teammates celebrated their victory.

Tepatasi vs Tamauli

The second Cup quarterfinal was between Tepatasi and Tamauli, both dominant forces in the modern era of sevens rugby in Samoa, with Tepatasi from Aleipata district establishing itself first, initiating the emergence of teams from rural villages in Samoa.

Over the years, Tepatasi has developed into a force to be reckoned with and has held its own against the original rugby powerhouses.

Their accomplishments, which include winning the Marist St. Joseph International Sevens Tournament, Samoa National Sevens Series and other domestic competitions, has inspired many young players from rural villages in Upolu and Savaii to play for their own villages instead of moving to Apia.

In past years, these players would relocate to the Apia area and live with relatives, while training and playing for clubs in the Apia Rugby Union, as this was the only way their skills and talents would be noticed by national selectors.

Last year, Tepatasi was runner-up in the 4th Coca Cola Marist Pago International Sevens Tournament, succumbing in the final to defending champions Marist St. Joseph.

Despite the loss, two of its players impressed Manu Samoa Sevens head coach Muliagatele Brian Lima so much, that they were selected on the spot for the country’s national sevens squad.

Both players, Pelasio Samuelu and Malakesi were part of their lineup last Saturday.

Tamauli from Saleleloga, Savaii burst into the Samoa sevens scene in 2019, winning several  tournaments and produced Manu Samoa Sevens players like Elisapeta Alofipo and Johnny Vaili, who have made their mark in the international arena.

Elisapeta Alofipo who captained the team last Saturday is still a member of the Manu Samoa Sevens squad.

In their Cup quarterfinal clash with Tepatasi last Saturday, Tamauli dominated the first half launching a wave of attacks which culminated in winger Pelasio Samuelu touching down at the corner.

However, the assistant referee pointed out that he had in fact touched down short of the line prompting the referee to disallow the try but awarded a five-meter scrum to Tamauli.

From there, Tamauli tried to penetrate the Tepatasi defense without success at first but eventually, they managed to cross over at the corner where Pelasio Samuelu had misjudged the try line.

The try was not converted and the points remained at 5- 0 to Tamauli.

Action continued in the second half, with Tepatasi stepping up their attacks and were finally rewarded with a try halfway from full-time to level the score at 5-5.

Tepatasi managed to grab victory when Pelasio Samuelu crossed over again for another try about five meters from the uprights in the final seconds of the game.

The final hooter sounded as the try was converted to bring the final score to 12-5 to Tepatasi.

Marist Hawaii vs Afega Laumua O Tumua

The third Cup quarterfinal encounter between Marist Hawaii and Afega Laumua o Tumua showcased some thrilling action that caused the second major upset of the day.

The more favored Marist Hawaii experienced a rude awakening when Laumua o Tumua’s Lavanta Stowers who had caught the kick-off in the air, landed and sprinted for more than 60 meters down the field before passing the ball to his teammates who had followed in support.

The ball reached former Manu Samoa Sevens flier Owen Niue who offloaded to Jovi Magalogo, who then side-stepped the desperate Marist Hawaii defense near the uprights, and crossed over for a try in the opening seconds of the game. The try was converted giving Laumua o Tumua an early 7-0 lead.

Unfortunately for Marist Hawaii, they received another rude awakening the very next minute!

After receiving the kick-off from Laumua o Tumua, they passed the ball to their backs, but the fired-up Laumua o Tumua players pounced on them taking the ball carrier to the ground, then pushed back the Marist Hawaii support trying to secure the ball.

Laumua o Tumua number 13 Ueta Avaituna picked up the ball and crossed over for their second try at the corner of the field. Despite the difficult angle, the conversion was successful extending their lead to 14-0.

Stung into action, Marist Hawaii made sure they kept possession of the ball from the next kick-off, then proceeded to run the ball with captain Pelosi Taupo, another Manu Samoa Sevens player in last year’s squad, instrumental in feeding the ball to their left winger who scored their first points of the game.

The conversion was successful although the angle was difficult, putting Marist Hawaii back in the game at 14- 7.

In the second half, Marist Hawaii turned the tables by scoring in the first minute with captain Pelosi Taupo dotting down under the uprights after a 60-meter sprint, and a successful conversion (which he also kicked) to level the score at 14-14.

Refusing to give up, Laumua o Tumua replied instantly with another exciting run to touch down under the uprights and regain the lead by 7 points, after a successful conversion took the score to 21-14.

Incredibly, the score leveled again after a determined Marist Hawaii launched a brilliant open play attack which ended up under the uprights for another 7-pointer to level the score yet again at 21-21!

The final hooter sounded as the next play was already in motion and the spectators were on the edge of their seats, as Laumua o Tumua launched a last gasp attack with their right winger sprinting for the corner.

With no one at the back, Marist Hawaii scrambled desperately to prevent him from reaching their try line.

Fortunately for them, captain Pelosi Taupo managed to catch the Laumua o Tumua winger and push him into touch, less than a meter from the try line and the game went into sudden death mode.

In the end, it was Laumua o Tumua who emerged victorious after their right winger finally made it over the line to seal their hard fought tug-of-war victory, with the final score of 26- 21.

Marist St. Joseph vs Apia Maroons

The last Cup quarterfinal between defending champions Marist St. Joseph and Apia Maroons was another thrilling encounter of skill, grit and determination as the two powerhouses battled for supremacy.

The Apia Maroons captained by former Manu Samoa Sevens playmaker Tila Mealoi, kept their opponents at bay successfully until Marist St. Joseph finally penetrated their defense towards the end of the first half, with Tulafono Ieti scoring their first points.

The conversion was successful giving them a much deserved 7- 0 lead.

The second Marist try was scored by Elia Tu’umatavai as the final hooter sounded and was successfully converted to extend their lead at halftime to 14-0.

Apia Maroons registered their first points as the game was winding down compliments of reserve player Lotutamaiti Tautala, who scored a try underneath the uprights to get them back in the game 14-7 after the try was converted.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Apia Maroons who had been defending for most of the second half, managed to cross the Marist St. Joseph try line after the final hooter had sounded, to tie the game at 14-14.

This necessitated an additional five minutes of sudden death play, meaning the first team to score points would proceed to the semifinals.

Subsequently, it was the defending champions who prevailed, by scoring the try that confirmed their ticket for the semifinals.

CUP SEMIFINALS:

Tepatasi vs Siumu

Suspense continued to build up as the first Cup semifinal between Tepatasi and Siumu got underway.

It was Tepatasi who drew first blood early in the game at the corner of the field and the attempted conversion was not successful, giving them a 5- 0 lead.

Siumu had their hands full as they valiantly defended their try line, and their efforts were rewarded when they scored a try with seconds left in the first half. The conversion attempt was successful despite the difficult angle and they edged past last year’s runner-up by 7-5 at halftime.

The battle continued in the second spell with both sides attacking and defending as the ball changed hands due to unforced errors and the fast pace of the game.

To their credit, Siumu captain Siaosi Asofolau realized that they couldn’t match the experience of the Tepatasi team if they tried to match the speed of their attacks, and he ordered his troops to remain calm and slow down the pace of the game as they had the points advantage.

This proved to be the right strategy to adopt and eventually the final hooter sounded.

At that moment, Siumu was in possession of the ball, and as soon as the ball carrier heard the hooter, he kicked it out to end the game and register their historical feat of making the final on their debut.

Marist St. Joseph vs Afega Laumua O Tumua

The last semifinal between defending champions Marist St. Joseph and Afega Laumua o Tumua began with Marist opening the points tally when their Fijian halfback Ravuama Seruvakula evaded his opponents to score the first try of the game which was converted giving them a 7-0 lead.

Laumua o Tumua answered with a converted try by Lavanta Stowers to level the score at 7- 7.

Former Manu Samoa Sevens speedster Owen Niue who was wearing Laumua o Tumua’s yellow and black, scored their second try with a spectacular sprint from inside their 22-meter line after the final hooter sounded, signaling the end of the first half.

The conversion was successful and they edged in front by 14- 7 at halftime.

The score changed to 14- 12 in the second half with a Marist try at the corner of the field which was not converted.

Marist St. Joseph scored their second try when Laumua o Tumua failed to secure the ball after kick-off, giving Fijian halfback Ravuama Serevakula the chance to pick it up and sprint for the try line to score his second try of the game.

The conversion was successful and their was extended to 19- 14.

It received another 5-point boost a minute later thanks to Alofa Luteru who intercepted a pass from Owen Niue to further extend their lead to the final score of 24-14.

2024 MARIST PAGO LEGENDS INITIATIVE

Before the grand final, the Class of 2024 inductees of the Marist Pago Legends Initiative were officially acknowledged in a short ceremony at the main grandstand.

Marist Pago Guest of Honor, Manu Samoa Sevens Legend Lolo Lui presented the Legends awards, which comprised acknowledgement plaques and T-shirts to the six individuals selected by the Marist Pago Executive Committee.

The awards were received by relatives of Legends who have passed or who could not attend.

The first inductee was former Tafuna Jets player Peniamina Tiumalu whose award was received by his relative Tommy Elisara.

The second inductee was former national rep for American Samoa and the first player from American Samoa to be selected by the Manu Samoa 15-a-side, Leota Setefano Fata who currently resides in the mainland. His award was received by his nephew Lokeni Lokeni.

The third inductee was former ASRU Board Chairman, former Governor and current Senator Togiola Tulafono, who was instrumental in putting together the current ASRU Constitution, he also named the Territory’s men’s and women’s national teams, Talavalu and Segaula respectively.

First Lady Ella Mauga received the award on his behalf.

The fourth inductee, the late Leroy Lutu was officially recognized for his many contributions to the development of rugby in the 1970s and ‘80s. His son Fusiuta Lutu was on hand to receive his award.

The fifth inductee was certified referee/administrator, the late Afoa Fepuleai Titi Nofoagatoto’a, who was also instrumental in forming the Golden Oldies Rugby Team. His son Reagan Nofoagatoto’a was also present and received his late father’s award.

The sixth inductee Keith McFall was the only Legend who was present.

Rugby legend Keith McFall and his lovely wife after he was presented with the Legends Award from the Marist Pago Sports Club acknowledging his contribution to the sport in past years. McFall  was a renowned rugby player in his prime and represented Samoa and American Samoa in the international arena. [photo: Asi A. Fa’asau]

McFall started his rugby career as a member of the Samoa Schools 1st XV National team, he was also selected in the Samoa national team before relocating to American Samoa where he represented the Territory in various international tournaments.

This was followed by Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga’s special remarks where he commended the Marist Pago Sports Club for initiating this important annual sports fixture for the benefit of the young generations of players.

He urged the teams competing to keep the game fair and clean and to remember the tournament’s objective, which was to hone their rugby skills and foster good relations and fellowship.

“Remember, there will be disagreements on the field and tempers will flare,” Governor Lemanu said. “But at the end of the day, you are all brothers.”

Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga and Mrs. Ella Mauga during the 5th Coca Cola Marist Pago Flag Day International 7s Tournament last Saturday. [photo: Asi A. Fa’asau]

And then it was the moment everyone had been waiting for.

FINAL CUP GAME — SIUMU VS MARIST ST. JOSEPH

The two finalists lined up facing the main grandstand as the anthems of the United States, American Samoa and the Independent State of Samoa were played.

The adrenaline was flowing as defending champions Marist St. Joseph locked horns with challenger Siumu when the whistle sounded for game time.

Action was intense and brutal as both teams threw their bodies on the line to secure the ball and unlike previous games where players would make well-judged short kicks to chase, both were holding on to the ball and passing it while looking for gaps to attack through.

Siumu scored the first try in the bottom of the first half near the corner of the field. The conversion attempt was not successful and they had to settle for a 5-0 lead.

Marist fought back trying to put points on the board but Siumu’s defense was steadfast quickly snuffing out their attempts.

Hot on attack, Siumu scored their second try after the hooter had sounded, and with the successful conversion that followed, they led 12-0 at halftime.

Coming back in the second half, Siumu realized that all they had to do was defend their try line and hang on until the end, which is exactly what they did,

But Marist was fighting to keep their championship title and were like men possessed as they relentlessly launched successive attacks, knowing they had to score two converted tries to win the game.

However, Siumu was committed in their defense and it wasn’t until the final seconds that Marist finally touched down at the corner of the field and the conversion was not successful.

Hence history was made last Saturday as the new kids on the block from Siumu village on the southern side of Upolu, hoisted the Governor Lemanu’s Cup which they have taken home, along with $13,000 prize money, which will be more than double its value in Samoan tala.

The MVP award selected by guests of honor Lolo Lui and Laulu Alapasa Cordtz went to Siumu captain Siaosi Asofolau.

Asked what his thoughts were during the game, Asofolau stated that as underdogs, his team knew they were faced with a very difficult undertaking, but they put their trust in God and He had given them the victory.

Miss American Samoa, the lovely Judy F. Taunu’u after presenting the MVP Award to Siumu captain Siaosi Asofolau. [photo: Asi A. Fa’asau]

The official tournament standings are as follows

1^st Siumu

2^nd Marist St.Joseph

3^rd Afega Laumua o Tumua

4^th Tepatasi

5^th Tamauli

6^th Marist Hawaii

7^th Apia Maroons & Moata’a (7th equal)

^9th Vaimoso Tama o le Mau

^10th Iva White Lions

11^th Barbarians & Satalo (11th equal)

13^th Malie Sharks

14^th Pago Pago Eagles

15^th Avele

16^th Islanders