Tag tournament a runaway success
Tag Rugby is a fast-moving non-contact sport that is suitable for all ages and currently becoming a popular sport in Samoa.
With added difficulty of pulling off velcro tags to stop the ball carrier, local tag tournaments have become exciting athletic exhibitions for spectators and players alike.
Led by President Fa’aofo’nu’u JP Leota, Samoa Tag Incorporated has hosted monthly tournaments this year in hopes of developing this new sport in Samoa.
Samoa Tag’s latest tournament on Saturday 7th July was held at St Joseph’s College. Despite the gloomy weather, twenty three teams came together in Alafua to battle it out in three divisions – Open Men, Open Women and Business Mixed. With a great number of spectators, lively music by DJ YG and tasty barbecue by Nafanua Kalapu Alo Paopao, Saturday’s tag tournament provided the perfect environment for any sports fan.
While there were a number thrilling moments and brilliant tries, all eyes were focused on Samurai Samatau. Making their debut in a tag tournament, Samurai Samatau defeated reputable teams and earned spots in both Open Men and Open women finals.
In the Open Women’s Final, Samurai Samatau gave their best effort against Tau Maroons but settled for second place as Tau Maroons capped off a perfect tournament run as the division winner. On the Open Men’s side, Samurai Samatau shocked the entire tournament with a narrow victory over the more experienced Tau Shakerz.
In the Business Mixed Final, Le Tuiga edged past Vailele EFKS in a nail-biting win.
Fa’aofo’nu’u JP Leota provided great insight after the tournament, “There is great talent in Samoa and even greater potential to excel at Tag locally and outside of Samoa. I’m excited to see the passion and love for the sport at this tournament. Samoa Tag Incorporated is committed to helping achieve greater results by hosting these tournaments and providing necessary support to all teams.”
Top four finishers of each division (listed below) received monetary prizes and donations from Taula Beverages and JP Fitness and Sport Bar. Both companies will also sponsor Samoa Tag’s next tournament on Saturday, 4th August. For more information, please contact Samoa Tag at [email protected] or Samoa Tag Incorporated Facebook page.
SAMOA TAG TOURNAMENT RESULTS:
Business Mix
1st Le Tuiga
2nd Vailele EFKS
3rd Sparkles
4th Kiwi
Open Women’s
1st Tau Maroons
2nd Tau Samurai Samatau
3rd Tau Titans
4th Tau Warriors
Open Mens
1st Samurai Samatau
2nd Tau Shakerz
3rd Tau Warriors
4th Tau Avengers