The Lavengamalie Cup, an annual rugby tournament with the Tonga's biggest prize money, was won this year by the Sila Peluua of Ha'ateiho, who earned themselves a cash prize of $25,000.

The Lavengamalie Cup Rugby Tournament, which started on December 10, played all the final games at Teufaiva Stadium on Saturday January 8, where about 10,000 spectators were entertained with the best rugby that has been seen at Teufaiva for the past 12 months.

Sangstar Saulala, the director of the tournament, said that the total cash prizes that they gave out amounted to $110,000, including special prizes.

In second place was the Toa Ko Ma'afu with a cash prize of $15,000. Third and the fourth prizes went to the Spartans, Ha'ateiho, with a cash prize of $10,000, and the Mu'a Saints, $8,000.

The Plate Trophy for Grade I was won by Fasi Ma'ufanga with $6,000; Plate finalist, Kolofo'ou, $5,000; third, Lavengamalie, $3,000; and fourth, Kolomotu'a, $2,000.

The Cup Trophy for the Second Grade Division was won by Fahefa with a cash prize of $5,000; second, Fasi Ma'ufanga, $3,500; third Kolofo'ou, $2,500; and fourth, Vaini, $2,200.

The Plate Trophy for the Second Grade Division was won by Houma with $2,000; second,Tofoa, $1,500; third, Marist, $1,000; and fourth, Hofoa, $800.

Special prizes of $500 each were awarded to outstanding players in the tournament.

The best back player was Leakona Tovi, Fasi Ma'ufanga.

The best forward player was Langakali Latu, Spartans.

Best kicker was Mesiu Lemoto, Spartans.

Player of the Tournament was Taliai Taufa, Sila Peluua. Taliai was also awarded $200 for being the best captain of the tournament.

Man of the match (the final) was Teumuli Kaufusi, Sila Peluua.

The most developed team was awarded to Spartans, and $500 was awarded to their captain Nasinu Fiefia.

The cash prize of $500 for the best try scorer of the tournament was shared between 'Eti 'Aholelei, Kolomotu'a and 'Amatakiloa Taufa, Lavengamalie.

The prize of $500 for the best coach of the tournament was shared between the coach of the Sila Peluua, 'Isi Fatani and his deputy Tu'I Uata.

Tala'ofa Saafi, from the organizing committee of the Tournament said that they did something different in this year's tournament to mark the 25th anniversary of the Lavengamalie College and they decided to select a First 15 of the tournament. "I selected the 15 players and my selection was based purely on the work rate of each player in their position, and this team was not selected to play another team, but it was to recognize the skill of each player," said Tala'ofa.

The Lavengamalie Cup First 15th for 2005:

1. 'Eti 'aholelei, Kolomotu'a.

2. 'Etimoni Poteki, Sila Peluua.

3. 'Etuini Pongi, Tonga Ko Ma'afu.

4. Sitaleki T., Sila Peluua.

5. Sione 'Aho, Fasi Ma'ufanga.

6. 'Atanaisa Sikalu, Spartan.

7. Peni Fanua, Toa Ko Ma'afu.

8. Viliami Leo, Lavengamalie.

9. Sikuti Vunipola, Toa ko Ma'afu.

10. Peasipa Moimoi, Lavengamalie.

11. Kaiongo Tupou, Kolofo'ou.

12. Fine Taufatofu, Spartans.

13. Maikolo 'Uhatahi, Spartans.

14. Sione Fonua, Sila Peluua.

15. Samisoni Pone, Toa ko Ma'afu.

The eight players who were awarded special prizes made up the Lavengamalie Cup squad for 2005 of 23 players.