HONIARA - Western Turtles fairytale display in the opening matches of Our Telekom Cup came to an abrupt end yesterday when they were eliminated from the tournament after losing to  Central Honiara in a crucial decider 6-0.

They needed only a draw to qualify for the semifinals but disappointed their fans who turned out in the hundreds to see them play an improved Central Honiara team consisting of notable players such as Alick Maemae, Nelson Sale and Godwin Bebeu.

Playing without their key striker Hickley Rence, it was a mountain to climb as Nathan Kera tried tirelessly to find the hole in the Central Honiara’s defence.

Without Rence, it looked impossible for them to break the deadlock as the city team went on a scoring spree.

Rence paid the price picking up two yellow cards in the pool matches to see him miss this important encounter.

National midfielder Alick Maemae scored a hat trick with John Anita, Mostyn Beui and Godwin Bebeu all contributing to their huge win.

Also eliminated were the Malaita Eagles who finished fourth in their pool following a poor showing at the tournament.

Former PNG National Soccer League player Barnabas Junior, Augustine Anisi, Richard Anisua and Junior Eke scored for the Eagles in their final match.

It was a disappointing tournament from an underachieving squad who promised they would go all the way to the finals pre tournament.

They recorded two goalless draws against East Honiara and Avaiki Chief from Renell and Bellona province where rugby is their number one sport.

Their disappointment and frustrations came to a head when they were narrowly beaten by West Honiara.

Angry Malaita Eagles fans stormed the Lawson Tama pitch and caused Eagles representatives to pay a $3,000 fine which was imposed on them by SIFF disciplinary committee before they played their final match.

Isabel Frigates were also eliminated but not before Norman Coles made sure his team left the tournament with one win after scoring the only goal and their first in the entire tournament.

The goal lifted them from the bottom of the table, leaving Lauru Kuvojo to earn the tournaments wooden spoon.

Frigates and Kuvojo wrapped up the pool matches where barely one hundred fans remained on the ground to watch them play.

New Zealand based Joses Nawo is leading the golden boot race in the tournament after securing five goals so far for his East Honiara team as they move into the semifinal’s today.

There are other contenders and it will be known after the matches today whether he still maintains hold on the race for the golden boot category.

Guadalcanal Hornets player, Joachim Waroi also scored five goals but with his team eliminated from the competition, Nawo has the best shot at securing the $1,000 golden boot prize.

But the race is still open with chances of upset highly likely in the semifinal matches this afternoon.