The Fiji Warriors defeated Tonga A yesterday 38 - 30 in Suva, surviving a thrilling comeback by Tonga A who were down 31 to 9  in the 56^th minute of the game.

Tonga A initially looked to be heading towards a dismal defeat. The Fiji Warriors scored a try within the first two minutes of the game, by their captain Mosese Voka. They scored another try only a few minutes later, this time by their scrum-half Serupepeli Vularika. 

Three penalty conversions by Tongan Fly-half James Faiva kept Tonga A within distance. The scoreline was 12 - 9 in the 30^th minute, however a try by Fijian centre Kelepi Naimasi put the hosts ahead 19 - 9 at half-time. 

The Fiji Warriors opened the second half as they had the first, scoring two tries within the first ten minutes of the game thanks to their wingers Lepani Raiyala and John Stewart. Fiji now leading 31 - 9.

Tongan captain hooker Sione Lolohea rallied his team to a late comeback when he scored Tonga A's first try in the 57th minute and then scored a second try in the 64^th minute. Scrum-half John Ika scored Tonga A's third try in the 73^rd minute, putting Tonga A only a point behind the Fijians with the scoreline now 31 -30. 

The host crowd looked on nervously as their team desperately prevented Tonga A from snatching what would have been a remarkable win. Their winger Lepani Raiyala denied Tonga victory after scoring an anti-climatic try within the final 2 minutes of the match, Fiji winning 38 - 30.

Meanwhile, Junior Japan caused an upset after defeating Samoa A 34 -31. Tonga A's next game is against Samoa A this Tuesday, March 14.