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:

• 1^st Prize, $12,000 – Nukunuku team
• 2^nd Prize $9,000 – ‘Ahiohio team from Malapo
• 3^rd Prize $6,000 – Popua
• 4^th Prize $5,000 – Fatumu

Nukunuku Rugby Team

1. Netane Taufa
2. Ma’afu Makasini
3. Tevita Makovina Fakakovikaetau
4. Tua’ese Taufa
5. Pohiva Hiko
6. Heuli Ponove
7. Timote Saafi
8. Vivili ‘Iongi
9. Tangiloto Pahulu
10. Uikelotu Fakakovikaetau
11. ‘Aisea ‘Alatini
12. Siaosi ‘Iongi
13. Palu Fihaki
14. Sione ‘Alatini
15. Timote Hiko
16. Tevita Taufa
17. ‘Eliesa Ponove
18. Viliami Makaafi
19. Saia Leha
20. Niukapu Taufa
21. Maama Tau’ataina
22. Falemaka Fihaki
23. Siaosi ‘Alatini

Head Coach : Penihea Tautua’a
Manager : Dr. ‘Amanaki Fakakovikaetau
Trainer : Sione Pole, Silivenusi Ponove

‘Ahiohio Team of Malapo

1. Viliami Fifita
2. Katoni Laulaupea’alu
3. Fine Langi
4. Toloke Talanoa
5. Vea Faaui
6. Pai Kuli Teaupa
7. Manu Hu’akau
8. Kini Tuivailala (Captain)
9. Alefosio ‘Aho
10. Tevita Taufa
11. Veimau Moala
12. Paula Toko Leha
13. Christopher Taufo’ou
14. Tupou Tu’iono
15. Viliami Lelenoa
16. Sipenisa Tonga
17. Sinamoni Api
18. ‘Akositaine Tupou
19. Vilimoa Taufa
20. Sione Teusiale
21. Pauli Taumoepeau
22. Seteve Faka’osi
23. ‘Etuate Hala
24. Viliami Lefi
25. Viliami Leha’uli

Head Coach : Viliami Polutele
Manager : Sefita Toko
Trainer : Feleti Ma’u , Rev. Hu’asini ‘Asi