The Solomon Islands AFL season got underway last week with old and new rivalries igniting some fierce competition and exciting football.
The stage was set on Thursday evening for the opening match with old rivals: White River and KG Sharks both keen to start the season off with a win.
The Demons took full advantage of the Sharks slow start in the first quarter and converted 5 straight goals.
Michael Nunan and Junior Jarred were looking very dangerous up forward for the Demons. The Sharks were able to regroup at quarter time and mounted a comeback. Job Vulita was instrumental in steadying the Sharks backline while the experienced and cool headed Grant Griffiths converted on the scoreboard. The Sharks managed 4.1 to the demons 2.1.
After halftime, the game had tightened up and the contest was looking very even. Wayward kicking in front of goal by the Demons kept the Sharks in the contest with the Demons kicking 3.6 to Sharks 2.0.
The last quarter was a heated one with Sharks senior player, Cheyne Warren, being sent off the field for high contact. In the end, the Demons were too strong for the Sharks who managed 2 straight goals to Demons 3.1.
The slow starting Sharks were not able to recover from their first quarter flogging and the Demons took the victory. Top goal scorers were Michael Nunan for the Demons and Grant Griffiths for KG. Best players for Demons were Delton S, Fred Moana and Lavensta Puia. KG’s best players were David Willie, Elton Tata and Robert M.
Final Scores: –
White River Demons 13 – 8 – 86
KG Shark 8 – 2 – 50
Game two was a highly anticipated match with everyone keen to see new team: Central Lions take on the highly skilled and talented Central Eagles.
Many of the Lions players are former Eagles so the crowd was set for a close and personal contest. Lions turned up in strong numbers and were a highly organised outfit thanks to the strong leadership of Watson Ho and Anthony Joel.
The first quarter got underway and it appeared we were in for a close one. It was a real tug of war with both teams going goal for goal with each other. Both teams had a spread of goals kickers in the opening term with a combined total of 9 individual goal scorers.
Lions drew first blood and were up and about but the experienced Eagles were not intimidated and immediately hit back.
Lions lost key player Anthony to a knee injury and at the end of the quarter Eagles were 5.3 to Lions 4.0. Although the Lions put a strong performance in the opener they were unable to maintain the same level of pressure in the second only kicking 1.3.
Eagles dominated the scoreboard kicking 6.2 in the second. Half time and both teams were feeling the heat of the blistering afternoon sun. Lions were now down by 6 goals and would need to make some changes to stay in contention.
Start of the third quarter and Eagles continued their dominance. Strong ruck work by the Eagles was proving to be a problem for the Lions with the Eagles midfielder’s continually getting first touch of the football. Lion’s defenders were under pressure with the ball coming in quickly.
The slick moving Javeey Sarere was untouchable and Johnny Mafane was also causing headaches up forward for the Lions with his strong marking ability. Fortunately for the Lions, Johnny missed several easy opportunities. 3 quarter time and the Eagles had kicked another 5.2 to Lions 2.0.
The game was now out of reach for the Lions who were down by 58 points with only one quarter remaining. Watson’s frustration got the better of him in the final term and was sent off the field for high contact. Eagles continued their dominance in the midfield and kicked 4.6 in the final term to Lions 2.0.
The Lions fought hard all day but it was always going to be a difficult task going up again the might of the Central Eagles. Plenty of positive’s to take out of the game for the new side in their first match. With improved game structure and understanding, the Lions will be a force to reckon with in the future.
Junior Joel provided several highlights throughout the game with his aerial and goal kicking skills. Other standout players include Sam, Rosco, Javvy and Frank for the Eagles and Dick and Eddie of the Lions.
Goal Kickers:
Central Eagles Sam Bua 3, Junior Tema 3, Brian Alu 2, Johnny Mafane 2, Henry 2, Rosco Maeloboa 2, Lucas Silly, Kents Sarere, Chris Idu, Francis Kali, Javvy Serere and Frank Keni.
Central Lions Junior Joel 4, Dickson Agori’l 2, Eddie Willie, Fred Kini and Anthony Joel
Final Scores:
Central Eagles 20 – 13 – 133
Central Lions 9 – 3 – 57
Unfortunately, game 3 wasn’t able to eventuate with China Town forfeiting the match against KG Sharks. A lack of players for China Town meant that KG would get take home easy points. Hopefully the China Town players will all make it out next week against the Eagles.
With KG taking the premiership points, a social friendly match was organised for anyone who wanted to join in. The game was shortened to two 20 minute halves and included players of all sizes and ages. The match was played in good spirit and provided an opportunity for some of the younger aspiring AFL players to have a taste of competition footy.
Concluding the match, players enjoyed a cold drink and hotdog in bread provided by SIAFLF to welcome in the start of the AFL season.
Next week will see White River take on the Eagles on Thursday, game 1 on Saturday will be KG Sharks vs Lions and the Eagles take on China Town in game 2.
Thank you to all the people and volunteers who helped out on the day. Without your ongoing support the SIAFL competition would not be possible.
