BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) Rural Kings have made a winning start to their 2026 Inter-Ministry Games campaign after defeating the Ministry of Public Service (MPS) 1-0 in their opening men’s soccer encounter at DC Park on Tuesday.
According to information provided to the Island Sun by the Ministry of Rural Development through its Communication and Public Relations Unit, the Rural Kings entered the competition as underdogs but produced a determined performance to secure their first three points of the tournament.
The result gives the MRD side an early boost as they continue their campaign against other government ministry teams, while also highlighting the growing participation and competitive spirit among public servants through sport.
The victory also provided an encouraging start for head coach James Blake, who praised his players for their effort and commitment in what was a closely contested match.
Blake said the team showed good character to maintain pressure on their opponents and eventually found the decisive goal.
“The overall performance from our boys was quite good and exceptional,” Blake said.
“Our opponent is a good side, but credit to the boys for keeping the pressure, and we managed to score the winning goal.”
Despite the positive result, the MRD coach acknowledged there are still areas the team must improve as the competition progresses, particularly fitness levels, understanding of the game, and overall coordination among players.
Blake said facing a competitive MPS side was also beneficial for his players as they continue building momentum.
“Our level of fitness, style of play, and team size were not in the best position to counter the most determined MPS side,” he said.
“They are a good team, and we appreciate the challenge they provided, which gave our boys a good run on the field.”
With more matches ahead, the Rural Kings are continuing their fitness preparations while they aim to build on their opening victory.
“So far, so good. The Rural Kings team is on the right track to kick off our campaign in this year’s Inter-Ministry Games,” Blake added.
Apart from men’s soccer, MRD is also competing in several other sporting categories including athletics, volleyball, futsal, netball, basketball, and table tennis.
The 2026 Inter-Ministry Games, organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, is being held under the theme “Healthy Workforce, Healthy Nation”.
The annual event brings together more than 20 government ministries, providing public servants with an opportunity to compete through sport while strengthening teamwork, workplace relationships, and promoting healthy lifestyles beyond their daily office duties.
The competition officially began on Friday, June 12, and is currently underway with various sporting activities continuing across Honiara.
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