by Pesi Fonua

The Vahe Kolofo'ou Rugby Team won the 2004 Aoniu Rugby Tournament, beating the favourites Tau Tahi 37-3, at Nuku'alofa's Teufaiva Stadium, on Saturday, December 31.

The Tau Tahi, the leader of the tournament with 16 points, was just no match for Kolofo'ou, who were in control of about 80 per cent of the game. Kolofo'ou dominated the line-outs, and the break downs. The Tau Tahi on managed a couple of times to break through the Koalofo'ou defence but failed to make it to the try line because of dropped balls and forward pass. The Tau Tahi was able to capitalise on Kolofo'ou's mistakes with a few dazzling runs particularly by their no. 14 and no.15. The Tau Tahi no. 7 was tireless, but was no match for the Kolofo'ou's well structured style of playing with their more experienced players, such as their no. 10, Fangatapu 'Apikotoa, and others who had represented Tonga in the Under 19, Under 21 and even with the ...‘Ikale Tahi.

Looking at the other final matches of the day, probably the best match of the tournament was the clash between the Vahe 'Uta and the New Zealand Tongans. The Vahe 'Uta won 13-9 in a fast display of talent and skill. The Vahe Kolomotu'a won after battled it out with Felenite for the fifth and six places.

The results were Vahe Kolofo...’ou 1st, Tau Tahi 2nd, Vahe ...‘Uta 3rd, New Zealand Tongans 4th, Vahe Kolomotu'a 5th and Felenite 6th.

Another final on Saturday was a seven-a-side for girls, between Te...’ekiu and Hihifo. Even though Te...’ekiu won it was not enough to overtake the points that Hihifo had accumulated and Hihifo took first place with Te'ekiu at second place. Vahe Hahake and Marist were the other teams taking part.

The chairman of the Tonga Rugby Union, Hon. Tu...’ivanuavou Vaea, said that following the Aoniu the national selectors would select two teams - a Development Team, and an Under-21 team.