TWO of the country’s top provincial beach soccer teams, Malaita and Honiara met in what was dubbed as an early grand final match of the Mariner Beach Soccer Championship at the DC Park, Sunday.
Defending champions, Malaita proved a better side defeating hosts Honiara Titans 4-1 in group A of the Mariner Beach Soccer Championship.
It was an evenly contested match which could have ended in favour of either side.
Honiara got the scoring underway in the first third but the lead was short lived as the defending champions hit back quickly with the equalizer before the end of the first period.
Honiara was determined to regain the lead and that could have been possible from an early free kick in the second third which Robert Laua sent wide.
Despite the ongoing pressure from Honiara, Malaita stood their ground maintaining a steady play with patience.
Once given the scoring chances, Malaita wasted no time slotting home another two goals to extend their lead.
This was followed by their final goal in the final third to seal their opening win.
Malaita coach, Albert Peter was impressed with the result saying it is good to get a win against one of the tournament’s top teams.
“I’m happy with the win because team Honiara is a very good side with experienced players.
“We were confident to win because we have prepared well for this tournament,” he said.
Maliata will play their second group A match today against Guadalcanal Churi at 11 am.
Coach Albert Peter maintains his confidence to get another win.
“Guadalcanal is a good team and has players who have good height.
“We look forward for this match and aim for another win,” he added.
The Mariner Beach Soccer Championship continues today with four matches.
Malaita and Guadalcanal will open the day’s beach soccer action at 11 am followed by Central and Choiseul at 12:15 pm, Makira and Isabel at 1:30 pm and Temotu will play Western Kiokio at 2:45 pm.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
Newsroom, Honiara
