Tifamoana Crowned 2025 PacificAus Netball Series Champions

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Samoa’s Tifamoana netball team has made history, clinching their first-ever PacificAus Sports Netball Series title after a thrilling extra-time victory over Scotland.

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In a final that went down to the wire, Tifamoana held their nerve to edge past the Scotland Thistles 54-52, securing the championship and finishing the tournament undefeated.

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The odds were stacked against Samoa from the start. Ranked 18th in the world, they entered the tournament as underdogs, facing off against higher-ranked teams such as Tonga (8th), Scotland (10th), and Fiji (14th). However, under the leadership of new coach Natalie Mathews, Tifamoana defied expectations and proved they could compete with and defeat some of the best teams in the region.

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The final was a rematch of their earlier group-stage clash, where Tifamoana had also edged Scotland in a tight contest. This time, with the title on the line, both teams battled fiercely, pushing the game into extra time. But Samoa showed resilience and composure, sealing the win by two goals to claim the championship.

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This historic victory marks a turning point for Samoan netball, removing the moniker a commentator dubbed them “Always the Bridesmaid and never the bride”, proving that despite the rankings, determination and teamwork can overcome the odds.