HONIARA – Western Turtles striker Nathan Kera proved a real thorn in the side of the Temotu Arrows by scoring a goal in each half of an action-packed match at Lawson Tama last
night.
Kera scored his first after using his blistering pace to outstrip the Arrows defense and latch onto a through ball. He then produced a clinical finish to the delight of the large
crowd that had come out to watch them play.
But their joy was shortlived as Temotu got the equalizer at the restart. Joe Luwi saw a gap upfront and sent a high ball over the Turtles defenders that allowed Apolos Letade to latch onto it and
lift it over approaching Turtle’s goalkeeper Navusu Kitu for the equaliser.
The entire ground erupted as the ball hit the back of the net.
It was an equal contest from there on but the Turtles always had the upperhand with their pace and strength.
Kera got his second midway through the second half when he received a timely pass from his strike partner Hickly Rence. The two were always dangerous when they counter attack. A
quick clearance from the Turtles defenders found Hickley who lifted the ball above the Arrows defenders for Kera to chase.
With only the goal keeper to beat, Kera slammed the ball straight into Arrows keeper Mamali who fumbled it as he tried to stop the shot and Kera scored from his second attempt.
There was jubilation everywhere, and every attempt by the Arrows to score the equalizer evaporated as time ticked away.
In the end Temotu Arrows simply ran out of gas and had to accept their first defeat in Our Telekom Cup tournament.
Meanhile in earlier matches, Central Honiara recorded their first win of Our Telekom cup beating Isabel by 4-nil and Avaiki Chiefs drew nil-all with highly fancied Malaita Eagles
team.
HONIARA – Womans Action: Western Turtles girls drew 1-1 with Honiara but secured a semis spot in the process.
Their striker Mary Dongai who is leading the race for the golden boot in the women’s open category hit the back of the net first but Honiara equalised through Mary Boe.
Western Turtles defenders were up to task and kept the Honiara strikers in check through out the match denying them any opportunity to score further goals. In the end they had to accept a
draw.
In the other match, Guadalcanal Hornets girls were simply two strong for Isabel – beating them 5-0.
National Women’s team top midfield player Betty Maenu opened the scoring before the flood gates flew open.
She wrapped up the scoring when she scored her second and Hornets fifth goal before the match ended to keep her team’s hope alive.