Liahona snatches Secondary Schools rugby crown in extra time [1]
Friday, August 2, 2013 - 06:34. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
By Finau Fonua
Liahona High School has the ball at Teufaiva Stadium. Nuku'alofa, 1 August 2013.
Liahona High School won the Tonga Secondary Schools 1st XV rugby grand-final after defeating Tonga College ‘Atele 22 – 15 yesterday, August 1 in a tightly contested match at Teufaiva Stadium.
Tonga College were ahead of Liahona early in the first half 12 – 0, after scoring two tries. But despite the early score line advantage, Tonga College failed to contain Liahona who hit back with two tries of their own to level the match 12 – 12 in the second half.
Both teams hatched three points to end the second half with a 15 – 15 deadlock. The game went into extra-time with two 10 minute halves. Liahona scored a converted try in the first half of extra time to lead 22 -15.
Tonga College dominated the second-half of extra time and repeatedly came within inches of Liahona’s try-line. Despite their determination, Tonga College failed to breakthrough Liahona’s solid of line defence and the game ended with a turnover to Liahona in the dying seconds of the game.