Tepatasi have won their second consecutive Marist International 7s tournament in style, proving too good for star studded teams at Apia Park over the weekend.
Tepatasi were crowned back-to-back Marist Sevens champions after edging out Yaro Chiefs 10-5 in a hard-fought grand final under lights at Apia Park stadium on Saturday night.
The young men from Aleipata turned on class performances against teams loaded with Samoa and Fiji rep players.
Veteran Paipai Purcell who led Tepatasi as Captain, halfback Eletise Ese who could have also been named tournament MVP proved that good leadership and playing as a team can beat a star-studded side.
Both teams had to battle their way into the championship decider in a tournament that featured five Fijian clubs and the best clubs in Samoa.
Tepatasi booked their place in the final with a thrilling 22-19 victory over Laumua o Tumua Afega, while Yaro Chiefs produced a dominant performance to defeat the highly-rated Tama Uli 27-0.
The starting line-up of the 37th Marist International Champs included 19 yr old John Tuilaepa, Junior Ese.
A starting line-up of truly local grassroots players from the village – proving that stars do not maketh a champion team.
Tama Uli featured Manu Samoa outside back Elisapeta Alofipo, while newly named Manu Samoa squad members Warren Solomona and Taunu’u Niulevaea turned out for Afega alongside Moana Pasifika’s Tuna Tuitama.
Puna Filo scored a last-minute winning try for Tepatasi against Afega which catapulted them into the grand final.
Fijian 7’s stars Amenoni Nasilasila played for Yaro Chiefs and Filipo Bukayaro played for Dominion Brothers.
Despite the level of stars playing in the tournament, Tepatasi still proved too good, with just one international player amongst their ranks, Puna Filo.
Youngsters to watch from the Tepa side include John Onesemo-Tuilaepa, son of Setu Tuilaepa, a former Manu Samoa 7s player and former Coach of Samoa’s Under 20s. The 19 year-old from Lotofaga, Vavau, Falealili and Letogo is SGNs “One to Watch”.
The Tupua Fred Wetzell championship trophy will remain in Samoa, but the inclusion of international teams made for a weekend of quality 7s rugby.
In the Women’s division, No Idea Sports Club took out the Cynthia Wetzell trophy, edging out Fiji’s Tagimoucia in an intense 10-7 final.
Savaii Queens secured the Bronze medal and Tane Pearls finished 4th.
Congratulations to Marist Sports Club President Lemalu John Lemisio and Tournament Director Taupau Alex Mikaele, for another year of quality international 7s rugby in the islands.
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