Eels ends Chiefs unbeaten run

By Ulimasao Fata 27 August 2017, 12:00AM

The Eels of Vaimauga have ended the unbeaten run of the Chiefs of Aana, Aiga I le Tai and Falelatai in the Super 9.

At Apia Park on Saturday, the Eels capitalized on the Chiefs mistakes to secure a 26-11 victory. Both teams were undefeated heading into the clash.

A knock on ball from Chief’s center and former Manu Samoa Fautua Otto resulted in the Eels first try. Eel’s lock Koroseta Veni opened their account scoring inside the first ten minutes.

The Chiefs did not quit. They were kept in the game with a Malu Falaniko penalty.

Patrick Faapale responded for the Eels with two penalties before the break.

Few minutes later within the first spell, Eels defensive line opened up to a fast ball by the Chiefs back line, awarding them their first try of the day from their winger Malielegaoi.

The Eels played the last five minutes of the first half with 14 men, with fullback Paul Scanlan sin binned for a high tackle.

The Eels went into half time leading, 16-8.

The second half saw a one-sided match with the Eels dominating.

Eels and Chiefs struggled even more when two players from both teams were sin binned.

Malu Falaniko of the Chiefs was disappointed with the result.

 “We came to give our all, but I guess the Eels were hungrier for the win, credit to the Eel’s team,” he said.

The captain believes they will learn from this result in moving forward. 

“I think it’s good to get smashed hard so that we make sure where to fix and learn from it.”

Patrick Faapale of the Eels said he is happy and proud of his boys. 

“We didn’t just prepare for Chiefs; the same preparation we used during previous games because all teams are competitive, and all aiming for the Cup.”.

He also mentioned his team is working hard to achieve their set goal of the tournament.

“Our team’s main aim is to win the overall tournament, we want to work hard and invest to achieve that, and it’s something the boys really want to achieve.”

Eel’s lock Itifusi Matamu was rewarded as the man of the match decided by the Samoa Rugby Union Officials.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was among the crowd.

By Ulimasao Fata 27 August 2017, 12:00AM
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