u14s Courageous Defence against Tonga 14

Senior Coach, Neville Chang, would have been very proud of his u14s QLD PNGs efforts against Tokoua Tonga. This was the u14 boys first trial game for the 2017 QPICC season.  The Tongan boys huddled and performed their cultural war cry, called the Kailao, the Tongan equivalent of the haka, then the game kicked off on a windy and overcast day at Bill Norris Oval, Beenleigh.

Tele Leota from opened the proceedings with the first four points going to Tonga. It was a controversial try given the Tongan boys had 14 on the field at the time.

As the first half progressed the Tongan boys kept the PNG team in their own half but the PNG boys defense held despite the pressure.  The Kokomos boys were persistent and that persistence paid off when No. 3 made a much needed break resulting in a gain of 40m. A subsequent penalty against Tonga for a head high tackle resulted in the Kokomos putting their first points on the board courtesy of Saxon Warwick. Unfortunately PNG were unable to add the extras and the scores were locked up at 4 all at half time.

The second half opened with PNG on the attack. William Boland put the Kokomos in the lead with a try. The kick was unsuccessful, PNG were now in front 8 points to Tonga’s 4.

Tonga’s response was to step it up a gear and scored three quick tries to turn the result around. Eventually winning the match 20 points to 8 at full time. However, the last try scored by Tonga, was another controversial one as they again had 14 on the field.

Despite the two questionable tries from Tonga, the Kokomos boys showed real courage in defense throughout the match. They held together as a team and refused to give up under pressure. They should be very proud of their efforts and I, for one, am looking forward to watching them as they stake their claim on the QPICC u14s title.