Nukunuku Rugby team wins $12,000 [1]
Friday, January 8, 2016 - 23:04. Updated on Thursday, April 14, 2016 - 15:08.
Photos by Caroline Manu Moli
Nukunuku rugby team took the Division 2 prize of $12,000 this afternoon, 8 January, in the finals of the Lavengamalie Cup Tournament 2015-16 at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa, scoring 43-7 against Malapo’s ‘Ahiohio rugby team.
Finals for Division 1 will kick off at Teufaiva Stadium on Saturday 9 January for the top prize of $35,000 pa’anga.
In today’s Division 2 final, the Man of the Match Palu Fihaki, Nukunuku #13 scored 3 tries and 4 conversions and 1 penalty kick.
Nukunuku took the lead from the start with Palu scoring two tries, and Heuli Ponove Nukunuku #6 with the third, all converted by Palu.
In the second half a penalty try by Nukunuku #21 Maama Tau’ataina was not converted. Palu added his third try, which was converted by Siaosi ‘Iongi.
Malapo scored its only points toward the end of the second half, with a try by #14 Tupou Tu’ono, converted by #10 Tevita Taufa.
Prize winners from today’s final matches for Division 2 of the Lavengamalie Cup Tournament were:
- 1st Prize, $12,000 – Nukunuku team
- 2nd Prize $9,000 – ‘Ahiohio team from Malapo
- 3rd Prize $6,000 – Popua
- 4th Prize $5,000 – Fatumu
Nukunuku Rugby Team
- Netane Taufa
- Ma’afu Makasini
- Tevita Makovina Fakakovikaetau
- Tua’ese Taufa
- Pohiva Hiko
- Heuli Ponove
- Timote Saafi
- Vivili ‘Iongi
- Tangiloto Pahulu
- Uikelotu Fakakovikaetau
- ‘Aisea ‘Alatini
- Siaosi ‘Iongi
- Palu Fihaki
- Sione ‘Alatini
- Timote Hiko
- Tevita Taufa
- ‘Eliesa Ponove
- Viliami Makaafi
- Saia Leha
- Niukapu Taufa
- Maama Tau’ataina
- Falemaka Fihaki
- Siaosi ‘Alatini
Head Coach : Penihea Tautua’a
Manager : Dr. ‘Amanaki Fakakovikaetau
Trainer : Sione Pole, Silivenusi Ponove
‘Ahiohio Team of Malapo
- Viliami Fifita
- Katoni Laulaupea’alu
- Fine Langi
- Toloke Talanoa
- Vea Faaui
- Pai Kuli Teaupa
- Manu Hu’akau
- Kini Tuivailala (Captain)
- Alefosio ‘Aho
- Tevita Taufa
- Veimau Moala
- Paula Toko Leha
- Christopher Taufo’ou
- Tupou Tu’iono
- Viliami Lelenoa
- Sipenisa Tonga
- Sinamoni Api
- ‘Akositaine Tupou
- Vilimoa Taufa
- Sione Teusiale
- Pauli Taumoepeau
- Seteve Faka’osi
- ‘Etuate Hala
- Viliami Lefi
- Viliami Leha’uli
Head Coach : Viliami Polutele
Manager : Sefita Toko
Trainer : Feleti Ma’u , Rev. Hu’asini ‘Asi