The Solomon Islands Sharks won their fourth match against Tonga on Tuesday at the AFL U15 Oceania Cup since 2012.
This came after they lost their first three matches against Fiji, Tonga and Nauru on Monday – the opening day.
Reports reaching Star Sports said, the under 15 national team 1.3 (9 points) defeated Tongan Thunder 0.4 (4) in a low scoring affair at Suva’s Albert Park in Fiji.
While the match was low scoring it was fiercely competitive and played at a high standard.
The defensive lines on both sides held up strongly, causing the majority of the game to be played within the midfield.
The Tongan Thunder were ferocious with their tackling and pressure around the ball.
The Tongan team was physically stronger than the relatively small Solomon Islands team, which meant that coach David Holo had to adjust his team’s game plan to avoid a bruising affair.
Holo’s Solomon Islands Sharks kicked the match’s one and only goal in the second quarter and managed to protect their small lead.
During the last quarter, the Sharks defended with all their heart as the Tongan Thunder had the majority of possession for most of the last quarter.
The Sharks held on for a fantastic morale boosting victory.
This was the first win for an Under 15 Solomon Islands AFL team since 2012.
Holo is hopeful that his team’s recent victory will provide the young group with plenty of confidence ahead of the remaining games in the AFL U15 Oceania Cup.
According to event organisers in Fiji, Sharks coach and Honiara-based AFL Development Officer, David Holo is already dreaming of the 2017 campaign!
Solomon Islands Sharks 1-3- 9 defeated Tonga Thunder 0-4- 4
Goal Kickers: Solomon Islands: Christian Bale. Tonga: Nil
Best Players: Solomon Islands: Elici Waqalevu, Allen Thomas, Nigel Willy, Josh Ablett, Mcleod Temaki, Christian Bale. Tonga: Winston Finau, Pauliasi Tuifua, Feofaaki Pulu, Brenton Ikamanu, Isileli Angitau, Inesi Ahomana
