BY ROMULUS HUTA
In Port Moresby, PNG
THE under-18 girls’ hockey team succumbed to two defeats in day one of the Oceania Youth Olympic Hockey currently underway in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The qualifiers are being held at the Sir John Guise Hockey Pavilion.
In the first match, Solomon Islands went up against Australia and were thrashed with a 30-1 hiding.
Their second match was against Vanuatu. Despite taking up a 2-1 lead in the second third, a last gasp comeback by Vanuatu in the final third saw them off with a 3-2 margin.
The match could have ended up in a share of spoils, only for a goal which was scored by Solomon Islands toward the end been ruled out by match officials.
The girls learnt a lot from the first two matches despite the outcome of the results.
Head coach Lyn Basii said they were nervous in the first match and it’s just unfortunate that they have to concede many goals.
“The tournament is not yet over and we are looking forward to some good results in the remaining matches.”
The tournament is being conducted in a round robin format. Participating teams will play two rounds. The top three winners in the women’s competition will qualify for this year’s Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October.
The women’s team will head into round three going against hosts PNG 9am this morning.
Meanwhile, Australia is currently leading with the women’s competition with six points from three wins so far.
