Both teams had opened their campaigns in front of sparse crowds in development areas but Cumbria is a region steeped in league history, starved of super league since Workingtons demise in 1996, and the biggest gate since those days rolled up to see the bllod curlding clash of the Sotuh Sea.
They got their entrance money with the pre match haka alone, with the Maori in fine voice and form with both teams meeting in the middle of the field with Maori the obvious winner.
When the real action got underway, Samoa held a territorial advantage, but could't find a way through the staunch Maori defence.
The only score of the first half came after just two minutes, when Maori stand-off Like Goodwin launched a huge kick to the corner, which was turned back by Kyle Leuluai, straight into the grateful arms of Steve Matthews who dived over the line.
Goodwin was the Maori most incisive attacker but much of his team mates best concentrated on defence, with a series of spectacular big hits from both sides bringing the rugged Cumbrians to their feet in appreciation.
Samoan full-back Milford was relishing the battle, charging head down into the Maori pack and staggering to his feet with a rueful shake of his head.
Within two minutes of the restart, the Samoans were in front Aau Fa'afili cutting through a gap in the Maori defence. Poching converting from the sideline.
Maori replied when Nelson applied downward pressure to another Goodwin kick, but Samoa refused to buckle and two tries in three minutes swept back in front.
With 10 minutes remaining, Paul Rauhihi charged onto a Martin Moana delayed pass and crunched his way to the corner, Goodwin slotted home the conversion but hit the post with a later drop goal attempt and could only stand and watch as Samoa snatched the spoils.