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Injury woes concerning

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Taromane Martin

MARIST FC Head Coach Jerry Allen says the injuries in the team are worrying as they continue preparations for their OFC quarterfinal match against Vanuatu side Nalkutan FC.

Defender Michael Boso, first choice goal keeper Anthony Talo and flanker Alwyn Ray are currently recovery from injuries suffered during training and in their TSL Championship matches last week.

Coach Allen said the trio’s availability for the champion’s league quarterfinals will depend on their recovery.

“Michael Boso, Alwyn Ray and Anthony Talo are still recovery from their injuries which I’m still worrying about,” Allen told SunSPORTS yesterday.

“That is why I wanted to test some of the young boys in the squad at this level. The trio’s availability for us in the quarterfinals will depend on their recovery.

“If they recover on time then they will play, if not then they won’t have the chance to play for us,” he said.

The club meanwhile thanked their associate sponsors Bank South Pacific for their support in preparation for their OFC Champions League quarter final match next month.

“We would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank our associate sponsor, [BSP] for their sponsorship donation and generous support towards our preparation for OFC Champions league quarter final next month.

“Thankyou Bank South Pacific for your thoughtfulness, generosity, and continued support towards Marist Football Club,” a club statement said.

Marist FC who finished second in Group D behind Team Wellington FC of New Zealand will travel to Port Villa, Vanuatu for their quarterfinal match against Nalkutan FC on April 7.

We need more international games: Campbell

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Milton Ragaruma
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Team Manager Mr Phillip Campbell

BY BEN BILUA

USP, Suva Fiji

TEAM Manager of Solomon Islands national rugby sevens team says playing more international friendlies is the way forward to improve the team’s performance.

In an interview with SunSPORT after the Soltuna Sevens Games last Saturday, Mr Phillip Campbell said the team is very young and needs more international friendlies to improve the team’s performance.

“The long term plan in terms of developing the team is to give them more exposure, meaning that, there need more international friendlies.

“The more international games the boys play, the more chances for the team to improve mentally and physically and perform well in other important games,” he said.

Mr Campbell said the current Solomon Islands Sevens team consists of young, talented and passionate players that needs more support.

He stressed the recent Soltuna 7s competition is one fine example of developing the national rugby sevens team to be more competitive.

Mr Campbell also acknowledged Soltuna management for sponsoring the Soltuna Rugby Seven games and other assistance rendered towards the national team.

He also acknowledges the Solomon Islands Community in Fiji for supporting them during the Soltuna 7s and is urging them to come out in numbers again for the Marist 7s competitions this weekend.

The Solomon Islands National Sevens team management and the squad meanwhile are looking forward for a better performance in the upcoming Marist tournament which starts today.

Rugby refs set for experience

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Augustine Mafuara and Nicholas Saosogo

By Taromane Martin

TWO local rugby referees will create history for the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) today when they officiate in 42nd Fiji Bitter Marist 7s competition in Suva, Fiji.

SIRUF in a statement said this is part of their program to make sure rugby officials in the country get exposer and experience to help develop their career.

“Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation has not only send the National 7s side to Fiji for exposer but also sending 2 upcoming match officials to officiate in 3 Sevens tournaments in Suva, Fiji,” the statement said.

“Nicholas Saosogo and Augustine Mafuara have learnt a lot from the exposers and officiating in high level of playing sevens in Suva, tomorrow both match officials for the first time will officiate in the Marist 7s.

“This will be a new experience for our match officials and definitely a pathway SIRUF sees important to develop match officials in Solomon’s,” the statement adds.

The local rugby federation encourages more young boys and girls to take up rugby match officiating because they need more to officiate in HRUA, SIRUF organized events, provincial competitions and foremost attend to Oceania Rugby and regional tournaments.

Meanwhile, the 42nd Fiji Bitter Marist 7s competition will start today in Suva, Fiji.

The Marist 7s competition is a traditional and international competition held in Suva, Fiji. The competition attracts clubs, provincial and national 7s teams around the region.

A total of 82 teams will compete over three days using three pitches. The competitions will end on Saturday.

Wasteful Marist through

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Milton Ragaruma
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Henry Fa’arodo watches his shot rolls in for the crucial goal against Malaita Kingz FC in their semi final match yesterday. Marist will take on Solomon Warriors FC in the grand final match this Sunday...Photo Benz Newman

BY Taromane Martin

A first half Henry Fa’arodo goal saw Marist FC advancing for the grand final of the 2018 Telekom S-League championship after defeating Malaita Kingz FC 1-0 yesterday.

Fa’arodo found the back of the net 27 minutes into the first half after an excellent through ball from Atkin Kaua and a dummy by Mathias Iani saw the former national mid fielder pouncing on the loose ball for the lead.

Charles Mani almost grabbed the equaliser for Malaita Kingz in the second half after a wasteful first half, but was brilliantly denied by an out stretching Marist goal keeper Harold Nauania.

Henry Fa’arodo watches his shot rolls in for the crucial goal against Malaita Kingz FC in their semi final match yesterday. Marist will take on Solomon Warriors FC in the grand final match this Sunday…Photo Benz Newman

Abraham Iniga and Kaua also had chances to extend Marist’s lead but failed to find the back of the abandoned Samson Koti goal mouth.

Marist Head Coach Jerry Allen was pleased with yesterday’s win but says his players need to stay organised as they wait to meet Solomon Warriors FC this Sunday in the grand final match.

“Today we were lucky Henry (Fa’arodo) scored that early goal to give us the lead,” Coach Allen said.

“We had a number of chances to score today but I just don’t know how they failed to be converted. But that is football.

“If you play good football but don’t convert your chances you lose but if you play bad football but you convert your chances you win.

“Malaita Kingz played really well today with their young players. Despite the inexperience in their squad they played really well against us today.

“I think the boys dropped a little in our performance today but it all comes down to our mentality some times.

“When we play against a weak team we tend to drop down to their playing level which should not be the case. Even if your opponent is weaker you have to maintain your game intensity and consistency.

“Like I tell the boys this level is different from the champion’s league so we must continue playing at that level.

“We need to stay organised because our next games is the grand final and the OFC Champions League quarter finals.

“But I’m pleased with the boys for getting the job and result for us. For me the grand final will be a good friendly for both of our clubs because it will help us to polish up on a few areas before we travel for the quarter finals,” he said.

Marist FC will take on Solomon Warriors FC in the grand final match this Sunday at the Lawson Tama Stadium.

Breaking free

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Milton Ragaruma
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Western Province Premier, Wayne Maepioh

Western province reaches point of no return in its struggle for statehood: Premier Maepioh

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU (GIZO) and ALFRED SASAKO (HONIARA)

WESTERN Province has now reached a point of ‘no return’ in its struggle for statehood, Premier Wayne Maepioh told the province’s leaders yesterday.

“We are at the crossroad and have now reached a point of ‘no return’ in our struggle for statehood,” Mr Maepioh told the gathering in his opening remarks at the Western province’s leaders’ forum being held at the Agnes Lodge in Munda.

The two-day meeting ends today (Friday). It was organised to report on the progress of the constitutional reform process on the Federal/State Government system in Solomon Islands.

“Western Province has witnessed the continuous assimilation of resources by the National Government at the expense of provincial governments, resulting in continuous deterioration of the level of services delivery to the people of this Province.

“That is now the challenge before all of us,” Maepio said.

“It is our strongest belief that such status quo is uncalled for our desire to equally participate and be competent in addressing the prevalent issues of governance in our province can only be fully realised with a guaranteed completion of the constitutional reform exercise.

“There is obviously no shortcut,” he added.

“Whilst on that issue, I must, however reiterate that failure by the national government to recognise the importance of taking this whole constitutional reform exercise to completion sooner rather than later, Western province may not have much choice but to pursue the ‘Catalonian’ experience,” Maepio said, referring to the recent push by the Spanish province of Catalonia to be independent.

Among the leaders who attended the two-day forum were the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly Richard Tekifono, Deputy Premier Marloney Lopoto, members of the Executive, members of the Assembly and the newly enthroned Moderator of the United Church in Solomon Islands, Rev David Garunu.

Other members who attended the first day session are Team Leader of the Constitutional Congress Mr Jackson Piasi and his delegates, Mr Warren Paia, members of the Eminent Persons Advisory Committee (EPAC), Mr Thornly Hite and Mr Erick Ghemu, community and church representatives and community leaders and elders.

Premier Maepioh said the outcome of the two-day forum would be formally presented to the provincial executive before it is tabled in the full Provincial Assembly which is due to meet on March 27 this year.

“Once it is done we will present it in a form of white paper to the Prime Minister in the next week or two,” Maepioh said.

Warriors advance

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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ON FIRE….Gagame Feni was instrumental for Solomon Warriors FC in their 4-2 win over KOSSA FC on Wednesday

BY Taromane Martin

ON FIRE….Gagame Feni was instrumental for Solomon Warriors FC in their 4-2 win over KOSSA FC on Wednesday

SOLOMON Warriors FC are through to the grand final of the 2018 Telekom S-League after defeating KOSSA FC 4-2 yesterday at Lawson Tama Stadium.

Judd Molea gave warriors the lead from the penalty spot ten minutes before half time after match referee George Time signalled for a handball against a KOSSA defender going in for the clearance.

Moffart Kilifa drew KOSSA level 15 minutes into the second half, dancing his way inside Warriors 18 yard box before unleashing a ferocious left foot shot past an outstanding Izomo Bird, manning the Warriors goal mouth.

Tigi Molea regained the lead for Warriors 62 minutes into the second half, slithering through KOSSA’s defence before toe poking the ball past KOSSA’s on rushing goal custodian Desmond Tutu.

Second half substitutes Silas Eke restored Warriors comfort zone converting a Gagame Feni cross 74 minutes into the game before fellow substitute Ian Paia sealed the win thanks to another Gagame Feni assist from the flanks.

Kennedy Watemae scored the final goal of the game for KOSSA in extra time but was not enough to stop Moses Toata and his Solomon Warriors side from marching on.

“The heavy rain in the first half affected and changed our game plan and we weren’t able to perform in that opening 30 minutes,” Coach Toata said.

“Towards the end of the first half we finally managed to settle down because the wet conditions were improving.

“From the game there are some areas my boys need to improve on one is on finishing. But we look forward for the final and whoever we will meet.

Toata meanwhile praised substitutes Ian Paia and Silas Eke saying both players has set an example coming off the bench and is pleased they delivered for them yesterday.

“Sometimes you call it luck,” he said.

“But for me I want to thank both players they actually receive my instructions and did what I asked.

“And I think this is something all my players need to seriously think about whether they are in the first 11 or starting off the bench, they must be effective,” he said

“We look forward for the grand finale. Marist is definitely favourites to meet us but this Malaita Kingz FC young side is not to be written off yet. Whoever it is we’ll be ready for them,” he adds.

Marist FC will take on Malaita Kingz FC in the second semi-final match 3pm this afternoon at the Lawson Tama Stadium.

Budget ignores national activities: Maelanga

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga.

By Mike Puia

LEADER of Opposition, Manasseh Maelanga, says the 2018 appropriation bill shows no support towards upcoming national events.

Maelanga made these comments during the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) enquiry into the Ministry of Finance and Treasury last week.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for East Malaita said events like the 2023 Pacific Games to be hosted here, the national general elections next year, the Solomon Games this year are some of the “very important” national activities that are coming up.

Maelanga said the cut to budgets of ministries that are mandated to look after these events does not reflect the government’s commitment to making sure these events are successfully held.

“When you cut the Ministry of Home Affairs’ budget, for instance, how can you expect the country to host the 2023 Pacific Games?” Maelanga asked the staff of the Ministry who appeared before the Committee.

He revealed that the Ministry of Home Affairs’ budget of SBD$18 million last year has been reduced to SBD$9 million this year.

Maelanga said it appears the national government is not putting strong emphasis on these programmes as reflected in the budget.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Harry Kuma said undisruptive government service is what the budget focusses on.

Mr Kuma said money is limited so the Ministry has to work with what it has to make sure government operation continues.

Vonsa house of chiefs holds forum in Vella

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

THE Vonsa House of Chiefs held its first-ever forum at Vonunu Village in South Vella la Vella Island, Western Province.

The meeting convened chiefs and members from Uzamba to Muria, and leaders from the ward 7.

The forum is purposely to revive, discuss and re-enforce Vella la Vella cultural custom and activities and to draft a booklet for Vella la Vella Custom.

The opening ceremony was witnessed by Western province Premier Wayne Maepioh, MPA for ward 7 Christian Mesepitu, and other officials of the provincial government.

Mr Mesepitu welcomed Premier Maepioh and his delegates and thanked the various chiefs in attendance.

Mr Maepioh in his keynote address said that “culture is the lifeblood of a vibrant society, expressed in the many ways we tell our stories, celebrate, remember the past, entertain ourselves and imagine the future.

“Our creative expressions helps define who we are and help us see the World through the eyes of others.

“I believe people of Vella la Vella especially VOSA House of Chiefs participate in Culture in many was as audiences, professionals, amatures, volunteers and donors recognize the importance of culture believes.

“Culture provides important social and economic benefits and improves leaning and health, increased tolerance and opportunities to come together with others and culture enhances our quality of life and increases overall we-being for both individual and communities.

“Participating in culture can benefit individuals in many different ways, some of which are deeply personal and they are a source of delight and wonder and can provide emotionally, intellectually moving, experiences, whether pleasurable or unsettling that encourage celebration or contemplation of culture as mean of expressing.”

Maepioh said the outcomes of the forum will benefit the people of Vella la Vella Island, Western province and country as a whole.

Chairman of Vonsa House of Chiefs Frank Ozapitu thanked Premier Maepioh for gracing the gathering with his presence and extended his welcome to the various leaders who attended the programme.

Marist in high spirit

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ROMULUS HUTA

MARIST are in high spirit ahead of their Telekom S-League championship series semifinal encounter against Malaita Kings this afternoon.

The match this afternoon is the second semifinal of the Telekom S-League championship series and fixed for a 3pm kick off at the Lawson Tama Stadium.

Buoyed by two convincing wins over FC Guadalcanal in the two-legged round one fixture recently, Coach Jerry Allen is anticipating a tough clash against Kings.

“We are looking forward to a good game tomorrow (today) and we are ready for it.

“Malaita Kings have shown in the round one matches through their results that they are a team to beat.

“They have a very young team at the moment and they are very fast.

“Our task is to shut them down and go for a win,” Allen said.

Apart from the domestic competition, Marist is one of the country’s two representatives in the Oceania Champions League alongside Solomon Warriors.

Allen indicated that they are using the championship series as part of their preparation ahead of the vital quarterfinal date with Vanuatu champions Nalkutan on April 7 in Port Vila.

“We recently participated in the Oceania Champions League group stage and came out with a high spirit following our qualification into the quarter.

“The championship series is a good preparation for us toward that and we take each game seriously.

“A good performance here will certainly put us on right track heading into the Oceania Champions League quarterfinal next month,” he said.

Marist finished second behind Warriors in the TSL standing upon the completion of league matches last November.

Warriors have already qualified into the grand final following the 4-2 win posted over a determined KOSSA yesterday afternoon at Lawson Tama.

Warriors await the winner of this afternoon’s encounter between Marist and Kings for the grand final set down for Sunday 3pm.

“If we happen to make it through into the grand final then that will come as a blessing as we will have one more match to get us in shape ahead of the trip to Vanuatu next month,” Allen said.

The TSL championship series grand final on Sunday will finally put a close to the curtain of the 2017/18 season.

National 7s drawn in pool 5 of Marist 7s

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ROMULUS HUTA

THE Solomon Islands national sevens teams was drawn into Pool E of the Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens tournament that gets underway on Friday at the Suva ANZ Stadium in Fiji.

The national 7s side will play against Cousteau Rugby Savusavu, Niurua Creative Delta Uprising and Sawani Brothers Bua.

The compositions of the teams that will face Solomon Islands have a makeup of top 7s players in Fiji in them.

The Solomon Islands national 7s is in Fiji at the moment for the Marist 7s with the main aim is to get exposure through rubbing shoulders with the best of the Fiji rugby sevens.

The national 7s coach, who is also from Fiji, Alivereti Mocelutu said the players were hoping to show what they were capable of during the two-day competition.

“We are here to expose our players as they play against some of the best clubs in Fiji,” the former Flying Fijians No.8 said

Mocelutu indicated that the players were physically and psychologically prepared to play.

“I want to test these players as they take on some of best sevens players in Fiji.” he said

“We played in the Solotuna 7s tournament, which was a build-up to the Marist tournament, one of the biggest tournaments in the Pacific region.”

Manager Philip Campbell said two players in the team would be going to play in Australia next month.

“They are Elvis Made and Taibo Iro who are in our under-18 squad. We are sending them to play in Brisbane,” he said

The national 7s team participated in the Soltuna 7s held at Laucala in Suva last week and finished fourth.

Another Solomon Islands rugby club, Islanders Brothers is also in Fiji at the moment for the same tournament.

They are drawn into Pool 14.

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