Randwick claim inaugural Kolia Cup with 26-13 win over Western Sydney

Western Sydney Two Blues and Randwick have contested the inaugural Kolia Cup to honour the memory of former Two Blues Colts player Kolia Aigaga-Liko, who took his own life last year.

Western Sydney Two Blues player Tuitakau Kioa with the ball during the Kolia Cup clash against Randwick at Lidcombe Oval. Picture: Carmela Roche

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The on-field action of the Shute Shield clash between Western Sydney and Randwick took a back seat on Saturday as the clubs came together to honour the memory of Two Blues Colts player Kolia Aigaga-Liko, who took his own life last year aged just 19.

Lidcombe Oval was awash with Pasifika culture prior to kick-off as Western Sydney celebrated its ties to the Pasifika community and Kolia’s heritage before the team took to the field in special commemorative Lifeline jerseys.

Winger Hayden Cole wearing a special commemorative jersey. Picture: Carmela Roche

The first half saw Randwick open the scoring through scrum half Mitchell Short before the hosts levelled the scores through winger Hayden Cole.

Western Sydney were on a roll and quickly opened up a three-point lead thanks to a successful penalty conversion from fly half Dominic Graham.

Unfortunately the Two Blues lead didn’t last long as a try to flanker Jack Johnson put Randwick back in front. It was all the visitors from there with Randwick crossing two more times to claim the inaugural Kolia Cup with a 26-13 victory.

Kolia was just 19-years-old.

Two Blues general manager Craig Morgan said the day was a way to honour Kolia’s memory while highlighting the epidemic of youth suicide.

“Kolia was a really popular Colt. He trained hard and was a really talented young player with a lot of opportunity ahead of him,” Morgan said.

“The subject is a tough one, but if we can help just one person then it makes it all worth it.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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