The Tongan team last night kicked off their World Cup Pool 3 qualification with a tight 22 points to 20 victory over a spirited Irish team.

The game was highlighted by a very high penalty count; two Tongaplayers being sin binned by English referee Steve Ganson, numerous video referee decisions and most importantly some spectacular rugby league by both teams.

The Irish took full advantage of being up against 12 men by scoring tries on both occasions, however when Tongan’s go to man Feleti Mateo returned to the park his input was crucial, in particular his 40/20 with eight minutes to go and his team trailing by 20 points to 18. This was the dynamic playmakers first for season 2008 and a pivotal time to pull it out another trick from his extensive trick book.

This allowed the Tongan team to establish great field position and in the ensuing set Esi Tonga scored in the corner to resume the lead at 22 points to 20.

The entertainment was far from over though, with both teams trading possession for the final six minutes, continually thrilling the crowd of 6,165 parochial Irish and Tongan supporters.

Tonga ran out eventual winners 22 points to 20 on the back of Man of the Match performance from UK based hooker Tevita Leo- Latu with an outstanding performance around the rucks. Latu was closely followed by Penrith excitement machine Michael Jennings who scored a scintillating try and was disallowed another that looked for all intent and purposes a certain four pointer.

Tonga’s highlights for the evening were the pre match Tongan War Dance the “Sipi Tau”, Coach Jim Dymock candid post match Press conference which included him admitting he was previously sin binned by the same referee when playing for the London Broncos and Dymock also announcing he was praying at the end hoping the “luck of the Irish” wasn’t going to work against him.

Tonga’s much anticipated battle with arch rival Samoa will be played this Friday evening at CUA Stadium Penrith, promising to be one of the most exciting clashes of the World Cup.