Honiara Warriors have won the 2005 Solomon Cup tournament after it beat Temotu Arrows 2-1 in an action packed grandfinal match at Lawson Tama Stadium last night (Monday).

Honiara took the match in extra time after a determined Temotu outfit cancelled out their lead. Mahlon Houkarawa put Honiara ahead after a goaless first half but Duddley Seda scored the equaliser minutes later.

The match went to extra time and Jack Samani who worked tirelessly through out the match struck the winner in the first half of the additional period and Honiara held the lead until the end of the match.

In the battle for 3rd/4th Real Kakamora beat Western Turtles 4-2.

Honiara wins Solomon Cup

Temotu Arrows and Honiara Warriors will play for the Solbrew Solomon Cup trophy today (Monday).

Arrows beat Real Kakamora 1-0, while in the other semi final Warriors edged out the Western Turtles 2-1.

Like Kakamora, the Turtles had themselves to blame for not making use of their chances. Aleck Wickham opened the scoresheet for Turtles before Honiara struck back and eventually took the match.

Kakamora and Temotu on the other hand had to go into extra time to find the winner. Commins Menapi's younger brother Philip Meoli, who is also the team captain, separated the two teams when he outpaced the Real Kakamora defence line before unleasing a powerful right boot into the net which secured them the finals place.

The New Zealand Women's National League is also underway with two rounds completed. As well as the seven football federations, New Zealand Soccer has begun preparations for the qualifying stages of the 2007 FIFA World U20 Women's Championships in Russia by incluiding a Under 19 squad league.

Check out the archived results courtesy of New Zealand Soccer below.

National Women's League Round 1 Review

National Women's League Round 2 Review

For more information on women's football in New Zealand check out www.nzsoccer.com

PACIFIC FLAVOUR TO NEW ZEALAND FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

The second edition of the New Zealand Football Championship kicks off today and anticipation is high amongst New Zealand's football community for improvement on the inaugural competition.

As well as a host of New Zealand senior and age group internationals, this year's championship will feature several faces from around the Pacific. Papua New Guinea's Reginald Davani is back with defending champions Auckland City FC and looking to make an impact after a strong domestic season.

And, joining Davani at New Zealand national league level for the first time is Solomon Islands representative George Suri, who will ply his trade with Auckland's Waitakere United. Three of Suri's teammates be based in Palmerston North and play their football with Youngheart Manawatu. Commins Menapi will again link up with coach Colin Tuaa, and brings with him the exciting talents of Aleck Maemae and Nelson Sale.

Once again, the Auckland-based teams are expected to feature at the business end of the season but astute signings and careful planning suggests the challenges to that supremacy will come from more teams and in a more serious fashion than the inaugural season.

Auckland City looks strong in all areas once again from former All White keeper Ross Nicholson to fellow former internationals Jonathan Perry, Paul Urlovic and Riki van Steeden. Add to that the addition of joint leading scorer Keryn Jordan to his equal in the scoring ranks last year Grant Young. Coach Alan Jones' biggest quandary each week may be who to leave on the bench. The champions are otherwise largely settled and looking to repeat last season's success.

Waitakere United has made no secret of the ambition in the club, this year the focus is a top two finish and a place in the Oceania Club Championships qualifiers in 2006. Whilst losing key players, these appear more than compensated for with the signing of fourth all time leading NSL goal scorer Pablo Cardozo, younger brother and Australian age group international Richie Cardozo and Kris Bright. Former Papua New Guinea Technical Director Steve Cain takes the helm this season and the West Auckland-based squad should challenge for the title come March next year.

Last season's surprise package Waikato FC will again look to succeed on the back of a great team effort built largely on young talent. Coaches Declan Edge and James Pamment have bolstered their strike force, and despite the withdrawal of several of their more experienced players from last season the Hamilton franchise will be led again All White Che Bunce and will look to their young players punching above their weight if they are to contend again.

Hawkes Bay United (formerly Napier City) is a squad with plenty of improvement in them. A late charge towards the playoffs masked an overall disappointing first up campaign for one of the traditional powerhouses of the New Zealand game. Their success may rely heavily on the ability of the imports to get the best out of the local talent such as Leon Birnie. Rookie coach Perry Cotton does have several imports to call on this season with former Scottish international keeper Jonathan Gould, Lee Mudd (Northern Ireland U20) and Graham Fyffe (Scottish midfielder/striker).

Palmerston North-based YoungHeart Manawatu is, on paper, the team with most to prove. They will rely largely on local talent. Add to that the key signing of Ian Sandbrook and Ian Robinson - rated by many one of the best midfielders in the country and the influence of Solomon Island representatives including proven goal scorer Commins Menapi and Colin Tuaa's side could yet surprise. Michael Utting and Campbell Banks could also be key signings.

Team Wellington were the underachievers last year, in particular their slow start to the season. Their signings all come with the potential to influence performance with Jamie Duncan (Canterbury), Peter Halstead (YoungHeart Manawatu) and Matt Adams (Napier City) welcomed by the Team Wellington supporters.

Canterbury United has picked up All White striker Brent Fisher and former All White keeper James Bannatyne as well as returning inspirational defender Ben Sigmund. With Andrew Barron and former All White Glen Collins in midfield, there is a basis for a competitive unit under Danny Halligan. Those gains must however overcome the loss of Ben Hall (Waitakere United), Jamie Duncan (Team Wellington) and Blair Scadden amongst others.

Down in the deep south Otago United has grabbed the pre-season headlines with the signing of former FA Cup winner and two times World Cup Finals player Terry Phelan. The 38-year-old will more than likely concentrate his energies on coaching but is available as a player also. Just as important to the southerners is the re signing of keeper Lutz Pfannenstiel, this time for the entire campaign.

For all the information be sure to visit the official website of the New Zealand Football Championship at, www.nzfc.co.nz

New Zealand Football Championship

Squad Lists

Auckland City

1. Ross Nicholson; 2. Nick Hyde; 3. Ricky Broderson; 4. Paul Seaman; 5. Jonathon Perry; 6. Liam Mulrooney; 7. James Pritchett; 8. Jonathon Smith; 9. Paul Urlovic; 10. Grant Young; 11. Neil Sykes; 12. Richard Gillespie; 14. Keryn Jordan; 15. Luiz Del Monte; 16. Sam Wilkinson; 17. Paul Vodanovich; 18. Matt Cunneen; 19. Reginald Davani; 20. Greg Uhlmann; 21. Riki Van Steeden; 22. Joel Mathews; 23. Chad Coombes; 24. Jacob Spoonley

Coach - Allan Jones

Waitakere United

1. Simon Eaddy; 2. George Suri; 3. Marcel Isakowitz; 4. Hone Fowler; 5. Sean Douglas; 6. Chris Jackson; 7. Marcus Phillips; 8. Jake Butler; 9. Pablo Cardozo; 10. Richie Cardozo; 11. Craig Wylie; 12. Michael Mayne; 13. Nathan Christie; 14. Jason Rowley; 15. Prince Quansah; 16. Ben Hall; 17. Shannon Cole; 18. Jeff Sole; 19. Kris Bright; 20. Sam Jasper; 21. Daniel Ellensohn; 22. John Fletcher; 23. Chris Limmer

Coach - Steve Cain

Waikato FC

1. Mark Fulcher; 3. Cameron Jones; 4. Shane Hooks; 6. James Leong; 7. Mike de Vetter; 8. Stuart Hogg; 9. Nathan Robertson; 10. Colin Gardyne; 11. Henry Hahn; 12. Stewart Watene; 14. Stu Wilson; 15. Rodrigo Narcoleta; 16. Brent Mayhew; 17. Adam Crump; 18. Aaron Scott; 19. Grant Cooper; 20. Danny Donegan; 21. Eddie Trubshoe; 23. LJ Pijnenberg; 24. David Samson; 27. Jakub Sinkora; 28. Matt Williams; 29. Che Bunce

Coach - Declan Edge

Hawkes Bay United

1. Jonathon Gould; 2. Jamie Farrington; 3. Richard Coomber; 4. Wayne Atkins; 5. Ben Murphy; 6. Nick Lucas; 7. Sam Jenkins; 8. Dion Adams; 9. Chris Greatholder; 10. Lee Mudd; 11. Jason Hayne; 12. Leon Birnie; 16. Graeme Fyfe; 17. David Gearey; 18. Warren Gilbertson; 19. Perry Cotton; 20. Willie Stanger; 21. Andrew Huxford; 23. Dean Johnston; 24. Mitchell O'Brien; 25. Scott Dunn; Peter Howe

Coach - Perry Cotton

Team Wellington

1. Dylan Hall; 2. Steven Gulley; 3. Jamie Duncan; 4. Andy Hedge; 5. Mike McKinley; 6. Michael Smith; 7. David Johnston; 8. Adam Birch; 9. Peter Halstead; 11. Geoff Brown; 12. Brian Little; 13. Karl Whalen; 14. Jared Curtis; 15. Graeme Little; 16. Tristan McCormick; 17. Wiremu Patrick; 18. Michael Eagar; 19. Sam Peters; 20. Matt Adams; 21. Dan Keat; 22. Sacha Nathu; 23. Nick Tarrant; Mike Wilson

Coach - Mick Waitt

Canterbury United

1. James Bannatyne; 2. Daniel Terris; 3. Ben Sigmund; 4. Michael Lilley; 5. Christopher McIntosh; 6. Chris Morris; 7. Deane Hutchinson; 8. Glen Collins; 9. Brent Fisher; 10. Brian Watret; 11. Daniel Moir; 12. Andrew Pitman; 13. Nic Tither; 14. Justin Lucas; 15. James Reichweinn; 16. Jamie Smith; 17. Michael White; 18. Ashley Short; 19. Stuart Kelly; 20. Matthew Boyd; 21. Andrew Barron; 22. Simon Roberts; 23. Danny Halligan

Coach - Danny Halligan

Otago United

1. Lutz Pfannenstiel; 2. Rupesh Puna; 3. Terry Boylan; 4. Terry Phelan; 6. Tim Horner; 7. Blair Scoullar; 8. Russell Lawson; 9. Craig Dale; 10. Ryley Webster; 11. Andy Coburn; 14. Adam Letts; 15. Michael Eisenhut; 16. Ian Mandry; 17. Croyden Wheeler; 20. Mark Beldham; 22. Gareth Hore; 23. Michael Cunningham; 24. Robbie Deeley; John Chisholm; Franseco Caruso; Phil Elder; Will Morunga; Alistair Rickby; Bradley Scott

Coach - Terry Phelan

The four teams left in the running for the 2005 Solomon Cup have been found after the last day of competition. A powercut on Wednesday night meant that the match between Isabel and Real Kakamora had to be rescheduled for Friday afternoon.

Real Kakamora needed only a draw to take them to the next stage of competition because of the greater goal advantage over defending champions Malaita. And a 2-2 draw with Isabel was enough for Real Kakamora to qualify for the semi-finals.

In the other match on Friday Temotu continued their unbeaten run with a 2-0 win over Guadalcanal.

Saturday's semi-finals will pitt Honiara Warriors against Western Turtles at 2pm and Temotu Arrows versus Real Kakamora at 4pm.

The grand final will take on Monday starting with the play off for third and fourth places.

Power cuts in the Solomon Islands has meant difficulty in communicating with tournament organisers.

Wednesday's matches saw Temotu defeat Western 1-0, Malaita triumph over Renbel 3-1, and Lauru beat Guadalcanal 2-1. The match between Isabel and Real Kakamora was postponed due to floodlight failure.

Yesterday (Thursday) Western confirmed their place in the semi-finals with a 4-0 rout of Central. Honaira defeated Renbel by the same scoreline, and Real Kakamora upset Malaita 2-0 to dent the defending champions hopes of making the semi-finals.

Today (Friday) Isabel play Real Kakamora in the catch up fixture, while Temotu take on Guadalcanal in the other match of the day.

The revised draw means the semi-finals will now be played on Saturday, with the playoff for 3rd/4th and the final played on Monday.

Click here for, Latest standings

OFC TO TURN FOCUS TO WOMEN'S FOOTBALL

With increasing opportunities available for the regions top female football players the representatives from the member nations of the Oceania Football Confederation recently met in Rarotonga, Cook Islands for a FIFA organized seminar on women's football in the region.

OFC has secured direct entry for the FIFA Women's World Cup, Olympic Football Tournament, FIFA Women's Under 19 World Championships, and soon-to-be introduced FIFA Women's Under 17 World Championships.

With many women's development programmes still in their infancy around the Pacific the delegates from American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tonga, Vanuatu, OFC and FIFA unanimously agreed to promote women's football according to a jointly agreed declaration.

The key points to emerge from the three-day workshop included the confederation establishing an OFC Women's Football Committee and management department operating out of the secretariat in Auckland. In addition, ten FIFA/ OFC Women's Football Coaching Courses with be conducted in every national association and a marketing plan to encourage and foster women's participation in football will be developed.

Each member nation has also agreed their own individual requirements based on their current situation, but all agreed to ensure women's representation on their Executive Committee and in each of their standing committees, to set up a women's football committee, and nominate a person to coordinate and lead the development process.

In terms of competitions and structure, it was agreed to promote mixed football for children (up to 12 years) to challenge cultural barriers and ensure good technical physical development principles. It is also essential that positive female role models are readily accessible and visible.

Each member nation recorded their own commitment to the task and set their own objectives for women's football.

The women's seminar is set to become an annual event to ensure continued progress in women's football development, the seminar is set to be held in Samoa next year during the OFC Women's Under 19 Qualifying Tournament.

FIJI HEAD PACIFIC NATIONS IN LATEST FIFA RANKINGS

Fiji has jumped above Tahiti and Solomon Islands to claim top spot amongst the island nations in the latest FIFA/ Coca-Cola World Rankings. Up two spots to 137, Fiji still trail Australia and New Zealand as the top nations in the Oceania Football Confederation.

Australia (54) drops four places despite their recent 5-0 triumph over Jamaica in London, and New Zealand (116) are down five places.

Following the leading three nations are Tahiti and Solomon Islands who share 138, followed by Vanuatu ten places back (148). Papua New Guinea move up a place to 164, followed by Samoa (179), Tonga (184), New Caledonia (185), Cook Islands (193), with American Samoa (205) remaining at the foot of the world rankings.

Elsewhere, the closing stages of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany^TM qualifiers caused a few ripples in the standings. Brazil and the Netherlands continue to reign supreme, the Czech Republic (3, up 1) swap places with Argentina (4, down 1), and France (5th, up 1) with Mexico (6, down 1). England, for their part, break back into the top ten (9, up 2).

Of the 27 teams that have qualified for the finals so far, 14 feature in the top 20 and another 11 are ranked between 21 and 50. Ghana (51) and Angola (60) are the only two qualifiers not in the top 50.

Victories by Uruguay (17, up 8), Croatia (19, up 5), Serbia and Montenegro (42, up 6) are worth noting, as is World Cup newcomer Togo's sparkling debut in the top 50 (49, up 5), with Ghana (51, up 11) in hot pursuit. Neither Nigeria's upswing (23, up 6) nor Scotland's surge up the ladder (62, up 12) is enough to earn them a ticket to the World Cup.

The next FIFA/ Coca-Cola World Ranking list will be published on 23 November 2005.

FIFA/ Coca-Cola World Rankings (ranking at September 2005)

1. Brazil (1)

2. Netherlands (2)

3. Czech Rep. (4)

4. Argentina (3)

5. France (6)

6. Mexico (5)

7. USA (7)

8. Spain (8)

9= England (11)

9= Portugal (9)

54. Australia (50)

116. New Zealand (111)

137. Fiji (139)

138= Solomon Islands (138)

138= Tahiti (137)

148. Vanuatu (148)

164. Papua New Guinea (165)

179. Samoa (178)

184. Tonga (184)

186. New Caledonia (185)

193. Cook Islands (193)

205. American Samoa (205)

The Ranking System

The FIFA/ Coca-Cola World Ranking evaluates all matches played by senior national teams (World Cup finals matches, World Cup premliminary matches, Confederation championship matches, Confederation championship preliminary matches, friendly matches).

The calculation of a team's points is based on the following six criteria;

1. Winning, drawing, and losing

2. Number of goals

3. Home or away match

4. Importance of match (multiplication factor)

5. Strength of the opponent

6. Regional strength (multiplication factor)

Reigning Solomon Cup champions, Malaita Eagles ended Honiara Warriors winning run when it beat them 1-0 on Tuesday.

In other matches, Isabel Frigates drew 3-3 with Avaiki Chiefs (Renbel), Temotu Arrows continued their unbeaten run with a 2-0 win over Central Shields (2-0) and Western Turtles also maintained a 100% record with a 5-1 thrashing of Lauru Kuvojo (Choiseul).

Honiara remain top of Pool A with 6 points, two ahead of Malaita who have a game in hand. In Pool B Temotu and Western are both unbeaten after two matches and lead the group.

Wednesday's matches pit Temotu against Western in what should be a cracking match, Malaita face Avaiki, Lauru play Guadalcanal, and Isabel take on Real Kakamora in the last match of the night. Honiara and Central have the bye.

Western Turtles made a perfect start to the 2005 Solomon Cup with a 2-0 win over Guadalcanal Hornets overnight. The other match in Pool B saw Central Shields and Lauru Kuvojo draw 1-1.

Elsewhere, Honiara Warriors extended their lead in Pool A with a 4-1 rout of Isabel Frigates, before Real Kakamora pushed themselves to second in the pool with a 3-0 win over Avaiki Chiefs.

Temotu Arrows and Malaita Eagles had a bye.

Full a full wrap-up of results check the Solomon Star coverage, Turtles demolish Hornets strength

In Tuesday's matches Isabel will take on Avaiki, with Temotu testing Central. Malaita play Honiara, and Western will take on neighbours Lauru Kuvojo in the final match of the day. Guadalcanal and Real Kakamora have the day off