Tonga the champions in rollercoaster day

Tonga is the shock winner of the inaugural AFL Oceania Cup for Under 16s. Going into the tournament PNG was favoured but pulled out with visa and flight issues, leaving New Zealand to carry favouritism.

After both Tonga and NZ went through Day One undefeated it looked like their first up clash on the Sunday morning would decide the winner, and it did, but not before more thrills.

In a gripping contest the Tongans defeated the Kiwis by just 6 points, only to be rolled by arch rivals Samoa later in the day. That left the door wide open for New Zealand to march through and claim the 2009 title. But a small matter of Nauru stood in their way, having also worked their way into a chance to snatch top spot on percentage. Bad kicking for goal and a gutsy contest from the smallest nation in the tournament saw the New Zealanders suffer a one point defeat, leaving Tonga top and the youth champions of Oceania (excluding Australia and to be fair, PNG) for 2009. Tonga's exciting victory was capped with an unexpected visit by their Prime Minister. Nauru's win slipped them into second and the Kiwis fell to third.

All nations came away with success stories, though NZ will probably be a little disappointed. Samoa fought back from two narrow losses on Day One to take both their games, while Nauru will be very pleased with second spot, notwithstanding a golden chance missed to take home the title. Even the hosts, Fiji, had much to be proud of, despite not winning a game. In just their first few months committed to Aussie Rules their competitive performances bode well for the future.

The AFL's Andrew Cadzow was delighted with the event and said AFL Fiji was to be commended on the running of a first rate event.

Day Two

Tonga 5-4 (34) defeated New Zealand 4-4 (28)
Nauru 3-6 (24) defeated Fiji 2-3 (15)
Samoa 2-5 (17) defeated Tonga 0-11 (11)
Nauru 3-2 (20) defeated New Zealand 2-7 (19)
Samoa 4-4 (28) defeated Fiji 3-2 (20)

Final placings:

Position	Nation	Wins	%
1st	Tonga	3	178
2nd	Nauru	3	84
3rd	New Zealand	2	130
4th	Samoa	2	106
5th	Fiji	0	52

Note the % is calculated by WFN and as per AFL system of points for divided by points against multiplied by 100

Tournament Best and Fairest: Peni Mahini (Tonga)

Sprint champion: Owen Key (NZ)


More news to follow in later articles.