Samoa edged in Vegas Trophy final

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 07 March 2017, 12:00AM

A late comeback from Samoa inspired by former captain Tila Mealoi could have given the Manu Samoa Sevens its best finish at the HSBC Sevens series this year.

Alas it wasn’t to be yesterday when a powerful Kenya team found their way to the tryline in the last minute to clinch the match and begin their celebrations.

It could have easily been the other way around.

Having fought their way to overcome Scotland in the semifinal, Samoa found themselves 14 points behind in the final against Kenya.

Collins Injera scored first from a set piece when he picked out some small space between the Samoan defense, put on the afterburners to score.

Moments later, Skipper Amonde scored to continue the Kenyan’s march, 14-0. 

A late surge by the Samoans threatened the Kenyans but it wasn’t good enough.

The Samoans though came back stronger after the break.

Former Tila Mealoi scored and converted two quick tries as Tietjens’ charges came right back into the party.

Mealoi dotted down the first between the posts after Bush Mwale had lost the ball on the breakdown, the Samoans picking up and surging upfield. 

The Samoan speedstar was fortunate with the second try, a small kick and chase seeing the ball take an awkward bounce to avoid Injera and Mealoi picking up for a touchdown under the posts.

Kenya’s never say die attitude put them across the line, Amonde showing his leadership by leading from the front.

The captain picked the ball from a quickly taken set piece, powered through three tackles before letting the ball kiss the grass under the posts and Oliech finished off with a conversion.

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 07 March 2017, 12:00AM
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