The final between Hekari United and Eastern Stars did not live up to the anticipated intensity with the Milne Bay franchise chasing the ball all afternoon against a much disciplined and fitter Hekari outfit.
In the opening minutes of the first half, both teams were on equal terms trying to find their opponents net.
Hekari’s striker, Maciu Dunadamu and Kema Jack threatened the Stars defence from time to time. Flankers Neil Hans and Wira Wama for Hekari offered good crosses for Dunadamu and Jack to score.
Hans coming in to replace Andrew Lepani entertained the 5,000 crowd with his bullet like strikes and timely crosses.
Hear scored in the 17th minute from a well-executed Han’s corner. The kick floated into the net and Eastern Stars goalkeeper Peter Paul deflected the ball straight to unmarked Taniela Waqa who tapped the ball in for the first goal for the afternoon.
Stars led by skipper Cyril Muta and Timothy Joe at the backline and midfielder Michael Foster and Roniel Igens struggled to set up their players. Stars striker, David Taro and Felix Bondaluk were marked men by Hekari defenders Pita Bolatoga, Waqa, Koriak Upaiga and Daniel Joe who gave them little room to move.
Ten minutes later, Jack in his usual fashion blasted at close range to extend Hekari’s lead to 2-0 going into the break.
In the second half, Stars came back strongly but Hekari were quick to close them off.
Three minutes into the second half, Wira Wama connected a good cross from Hans into the net to cushion their lead 3-0.
With the game slipping away from them, Star coach Joseph Ealadona substituted Joshua Niebo for Gary Moka but his made no difference.
Hekari captain, Erick Komeng said after the game that he could not believe they had won their sixth consecutive title.
He commended his boys for giving their best on and ensuring they won the match.
Star’s coach Ealadona blamed his players for not sticking to the game plan.
“Credits to Hekari because they were the better side,” he added.
Hekari won the Telikom Cup along with K60, 000.00 prize money while Stars settled for K25, 000.00.
In the third-place Besta picked up K15, 000.00 and fourth place Tukoko Uni K10, 000.00.
Besta United Captain, Emmanuel Simon picked up Most Valuable Player of the year for the third consecutive season and K10, 000.00 while Hekari’s Raymond Gunemba’s 10 goals won himself the Golden Boot Award and K5,000.00.