Leone Whites narrowly defeated the A'ana Rugby Union Representative Side 15-14 in a spectacular show of skills, guts and stamina.

The visiting Leone Whites had originally planned to compete in this year's King of Rugby Tournament hosted by the Apia Rugby Club, a fixture of the annual Teuila Festival. However, they were notified at the last minute that the tourney had been postponed, so they decided to go ahead with their planned trip.

They were able to secure a fellowship game against the A'ana team, one of the best sides in the recent National Provincial Competition, the second highest level of competition within Samoan rugby union and is a stepping stone for the local players into the international arena. A'ana battled it out with eventual winners Apia Rugby Union in the finals. A'ana led for most of the game and with just five minutes left of play, the score was tied at 27-all. A'ana were unlucky to be penalized in the dying minutes of the game and lost 30-27 after Apia converted the penalty to take the NPC championship title.

Stung from that experience, A'ana were all out for blood last Saturday at the game against the Leone Whites held at the Nuuausala College field.

The game saw a enthusiastic crowd gather as word of a rugby game between A'ana and a team from American Samoa quickly spread amongst the villagers. Despite the strong attack from A'ana in the beginning of the game, the Leone Whites bravely stood their ground and refused to back down. They were rewarded with a hard fought win edging past their opponents 15-14. Kirifi Ofagalilo, Autagavaia Va'alele Tava'e and Afa Tuiletufuna were instrumental in racking up the points.

Coach Ene Kapisi when asked for a comment after the game stated, "Even after the major disappointment, we (Leone Whites) endured after we lost the shield to Lalomalava in the ASRU 15aside Tournament in American Samoa, we decided that coming over to Apia for the King of Rugby Tournament would be a positive influence in the ongoing development of our rugby squad, and to test the physical and mental fitness of our players as we do not have many opportunities to play in tournaments in American Samoa.

“Not being able to make the King of Rugby Tournament because of scheduling conflicts was a setback, but we are still happy to have had the opportunity to go up against a top ranked team here in Apia and come away victorious," Kapisi said.

The Leone Whites team would like to thank Chief Fa'ivae Alex Godinet, Saifaleupolu Francis Foma'i, Xavier Bowles, To'omata Solomona who accompanied the team on the trip, and their family & friends for the support and prayers while away.

Pictured are the A'ana District Fasito'o-Uta All Star Team & Coaching Staff, the Leone Whites team & Coaching Staff along with the fellowship trophy that will be traveling to American Samoa, until the A'ana team travels over for the Moso'oi week to claim it back. The Leone Whites Team were treated to a cultural welcome of the traditional ava, laulautasi, buffet, and traditional fa'afiafiaga and gift giving by Deacon Ati Tuivasa, the Fasitoouta Catholic Congregation and Youth as a way to cement the fellowship at the end of the game.