Hosts downed Eagles from medal share
Makira Ulawa Football team are the champions of the 2016 Solomon Games football competition.
The Eastern boys claimed the top spot after thrashing Isabel Frigates 3-0 in a stunning grand finale in front of a huge crowd at the Lawson Tama stadium on Saturday.
The Frigates team was hoping to get their first highest football title in their football history, but it did not turn out the way they wanted.
A goal each from Ian Ngahu, Rex Honu and Jacklin Manogi in the first half was enough for Makira /Ulawa football team to claim a gold medal in the competition.
It was an equally contested match with each sides having had an equal share of ball possession and scoring chances, but it was the boys from the east side that utilized their chances.
Despite trailing behind, Frigates keep the pressure only to be denied from scoring.
Frigates scoring machine Mostyn Kelly did set up three golden opportunities for his side in the first half but his teammates fail to utilize the chances.
After the break, both teams again displayed a good game but were not able to score any goals.
The first half score remained the same before the final whistle.
Excited Makira skipper Junior Dagi said it was a well deserve victory for his boys since they were training hard for the competition.
“We finally fulfil our dream, that is to come and win this competition,’’ he said.
“I would like to thank my boys for the great effort we put into this whole tournament.
“Credit must be given to our coach, team management and our die-hard fans here in Honiara and back at home,’’ he added.
Despite the loss for Frigates, it was a great achievement for them to reach the grand final in any national football competition.
In the losers’ final, Honiara claimed secured the third spot after narrowly beating Malaita Eagles a goal to nil.
By CROFTON UTUKANA
