The ‘Ikale Tahi have won their first European test match, defeating Spain 28 – 13. The determined Spaniards gave the boys a run for their money, and were leading 3 – 0 in the 30^th minute of the match. The ‘Ikale Tahi scored four converted tries in the form of Dan Faleafa, Fetu’u Vainikolo, Sonatane Takulua and Kali Hala. All tries were successfully converted by Sona Takulua.

Fetu’u Vainikolo and lock-forward Dan Faleafa scored the first two tries of the match within the space of three minutes towards the end of the first half, securing a comfortable lead against Spain 14 – 3 at half time. The Spaniards hit back early in the second half with a converted try after only four minutes, closing the gap to 14 – 10. A try by scrumhalf Sonatane Takulua in the 57^th minute of the game put Tonga back in a comfortable lead 21 – 10. A penalty conversion by Spain in the 61^st minute closed the gap again to 21 – 13.

The Spaniards tried to claw their way back and never gave up. However, the ‘Ikale Tahi proved to be too strong with fly-half Kali Hala scoring a try in the dying seconds of the game to seal a convincing victory for Tonga 28 – 13.

The ‘Ikale Tahi will play their second European test match against the United States on November 19 in the Spanish city of San Sebastian.

Scoring:

Tonga 0 – 3 Spain (Penalty kick by Linklator) 29^th Minute
Tonga 7 – 3 Spain (Try by Dan Faleafa) 31^st Minute
Tonga 14 – 3 Spain (Try by Fetu’u Vainikolo) 33^rd Minute

Half Time

Tonga 14 – 10 Spain (Try by Barrera) 44^th Minute
Tonga 21 – 10 Spain (Try by Sonatane Takulua) 57^th Minute
Tonga 21 – 13 Spain (Penalty kick by Linklator) 61^st Minute
Tonga 28 – 10 Spain (Try by Kali Hala) 79^th Minute