New Zealand and the Solomon Islands have battled to a dour 0-0 draw with both sides struggling in the slippery conditions at Maroochydore Soccer Centre caused by overnight rain.

It was a disappointing end to the 2003 OFC U-17 Qualifying Tournament for both teams with a smallish crowd of 250 plus missing out on what many anticipated would be an open encounter with both teams having nothing to lose except pride and second place in Group B.

New Zealand were perhaps the more successful of the two teams in coming to terms with the conditions but the Solomon Island were resolute and just as determined. But despite the obvious frustrations shown by players by both sides in not being able to play their natural games, the match did not deteriorate thankfully into an ill-mannered contest.

There were some physical exchanges but only one yellow card was dished out the whole game, to New Zealand's Michael White for charging into a Solomons player. Ironically, that was the first caution the entire tournament for the kiwis and they were subsequently awarded the Fairplay trophy for their impeccable disciplinary record and for playing in the spirit of the game.

Vanuatu plays Tahiti in the last match tonight and is now heavily favoured to take second place if they win. They are missing star striker Jean Emmanuel Maleb and John Mark Simeon through statuory suspension for getting two yellow cards from previous matches.

Australia, who has already officially won Group B after beating New Zealand 3-1 last Saturday, is currently playing Tonga and reports from the Sunshine Coast in Australia say Australia is leading by four goals with fifteen minutes till half-time.

New Zealand 0

Solomon Islands 0

caution: # 13 Michael White 68

crowd: 250+

weather: slippery conditions, rain - 27 degrees celsius