PANATINA community high school clinched the Honiara Football Association (HFA) Under 19 football tournament with a convincing 3-0 victory over Numbu community high school yesterday at Lawson Tama Stadium.
Both teams started the grand-final on equal terms as they searched for an early goal.
Numbu who won the HFA U15 tournament earlier this year got two half chances in the opening 10 minutes but their attackers lack the cutting edge up front.
With the aerial advantages, Panatina scored their opening goal from a set piece which was misjudged by Numbu custodian as the keeper carried on the ball over the line.
The young lads from Numbu regrouped after conceding the goal but could not capitalise on their chances.
Panatina doubled their lead from yet another set piece to lead 2-0 at the break.
Numbu dominated the second half as they try to fight back in the grand-final.
Led by Western United prodigy Molis Gagame, Panatina attempted some counter attack with much spaces open up in the Numbu defence.
Gagame led by example to put the game to bed and sealed the title with a brilliant finish in the second half.
Speaking after the grand-final, Gagame gave credit to his team mates for the win.
“I would like to thank my team mates for giving their best out there on the pitch.
“We knew that Numbu are a good team and we had been working hard in preparation for the game.
“I’m really happy to help the team by scoring a goal today (yesterday) but I’m also proud of the other goal scorers,” the Panatina CHS captain stated.
Panatina walked away with a trophy, gold medals and $4000 cash prize.
Numbu received silver medals and $2000 cash prize followed by Tenaru St Joseph National Secondary School in third place and Naha CHS claimed the fourth place.
By SIMON ABANA
