Moana’s last dance at home ends in heartbreak.
A sad end to a short but thrilling ride.
The last Moana Pasifika home game finished much as their story does, in disappointment, going down 31-33 to the Reds at Albany.
A memorable upset looked imminent for Moana, before one of the Reds strike weapons destroyed those dreams in devastating fashion.
It was an electric start for the hosts. as Augustine Pulu scampered away from 30 out after Glen Vaihu sparked a counter from the back.
The Reds replied with a scorcher of their own, Tim Ryan and Jock Campbell with some stunning interplay starting from halfway, eventually finished off by Ryan.
The Reds went back to back through lock Josh Canham as he swooped up a ball which bounced off a stray Moana hand.
Appearing to have levelled things up, Israel Leota had the crowd roaring as after he went in at the corner, only for an obstruction to be ruled earlier in the movement.
The Reds drove the nail in further as Ryan went in again right on the siren to give them a two try buffer at the break.
Treyvon Pritchard silenced the supporters shortly after oranges as he flew into the right hand corner to stretch the ascendancy.
Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa brought his team back in the contest, smashing his way to the line before Israel leota produced some magic, thundering down the right hand touch and breaking through three Red’s defenders.
Patrick Pellegrini pushed the margin further with a penalty, before the reds were given one last shot to steal it.
Step up Jock Campbell.
A scintillating break by the fullback saw him skin several defenders and waltz in under the sticks to shatter Moana hearts.
Despite the loss, the fans applauded the brave effort by their side.
While the franchise can be killed, it’s clear the Pasifika spirit can’t.
Follow how the game unfolded below.
Kick-off is 4.35pm.
Team list:
Moana Pasifika: 1. Malakai Hala-Ngatai 2. Millennium Sanerivi 3. Atu Moli 4. Allan Craig 5. Veikoso Poloniati 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c) 7. Semisi Paea 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa 9. Augustine Pulu 10. Patrick Pellegrini 11. Glen Vaihu 12. Tevita Latu 13. Solomon Alaimalo 14. Israel Leota 15. William Havili.
Bench: 16. Mamoru Harada 17. Abraham Pole 18. Paula Latu 19. Alefosio Aho 20. Dominic Ropeti 21. Siaosi Nginingini 22. Faletoi Peni 23. Tuna Tuitama.
