Still reeling from the devastating effects of a giant tsunami on their country earlier in the week, Samoa's Sevens players have won the Mini Pacific Games Gold to put a smile back on their people's faces.

Under par at the Namibia Sevens two weeks ago, the Samoans this time defied the odds to overcome favourites Fiji in a fine final in Rarotonga, winning 38-12.

Mikaele Pesamino scored an imperious hat trick of tries and former IRB Sevens Player of the Year Uale Mai was back at his sniping best at scrum half.

"It is a great achievement, given what has happened in the last few days in Samoa," said new Samoa Sevens coach Stephen Betham.

"I think the boys were full of passion today for their family and friends back home, who have been devastated by the Tsunami."

The Olympic dream

Samoa, Fiji and all of the Pacific Island countries are now awaiting the IOC's crucial vote on Friday 9 October, which will decide whether or not Sevens will be included in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

"It would provide us minnows of world sport with a wonderful opportunity to showcase to the world the skill and passion of our players and countries," added Betham, whose side would have a genuine chance of capturing their country's first ever Olympic medal.

"It (the chance of a medal) is indescribable! We could not have imagined such a thing would be possible, but very soon that may be a wonderful possibility."

Sentiments echoed by the Samoa captain, Rugby World Cup star Lolo Lui: "It would show the world what an exciting and fast game it is, and the atmosphere that is at Wellington Sevens and Hong Kong Sevens would be at the Olympics.

"This is a great achievement for us and we dedicate our win to the people of Samoa, our friends and family back home."

In the competition's other late matches the bronze was won by Tonga, who had to come from behind before outclassing a valiant Niue team 38-12.

The hosts, Cook Islands won the Plate Final against Papua New Guinea to finish fifth in the competition, the Solomon Islands finished seventh, while New Caledonia took the Bowl and ninth place.

Mini Pacific Island Games- Day two results

Bowl Final - 9th/10th
New Caledonia 35-7 Wallis & Futuna

7th/8th match
Solomon Islands 26-10 Tahiti

Plate Final - 5th/6th
Cook Islands 17-12 Papua New Guinea

Bronze Medal Match
Tonga 38-12 Niue

Gold/Silver - Final
Samoa 38-12 Fiji


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