HONIARA – As the saying goes – “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going” This was witnessed at DC Park on the third and final leg of
the Bilikiki Road to France Cup League last Saturday as the Bilikiki Boys prepare for FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup – Marseille 2008.

The fans at DC Park unanimously agreed that the enthusiasm, skill and excitement amongst all the four teams that took part in the Bilikiki
league bodes well for Solomon Islands third trip to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. In one way it was a three against one battle as the reigning champion team for the last two weeks – “The
Blues” was collectively bombarded to ensure it will not repeat its weekly triumph. And it did.

The impressive Temotuan Joe Luwi with his raw energy helped his Green team to make a perfect start by beating the Blues in the Pool games and
returned for the kill in the final. 

Luwi, a regular Bilikiki international was always confident on the ball and his strong and blistering pace to go beyond defenders never
winched as they pressurised Naka’s side for a 4 goals to 3 win.

He also helped set up their winning goal which came from the leg of former Western Turtles striker, Hickley Rence who is now plying his trade
alongside the experienced Beach Soccer players in the Bilikiki.

Henry Padaverana, the unknown find in goal keeping from Weather coast assisted Luwi’s onslaught against the Blues by stopping the illusive
Naka from getting in more goals.

Padaverana was later awarded the Player of the Day prize; much to the amazement but great delight of Guadalcanal Premier Joash Salani who
popped in to join other spectators sample the impressive performances and the beach environment of DC Park.

Naka was tested throughout the pool games and on a few instances was obviously frustrated by the tossing and pulling of his
man-markers.

However, they were not enough to deny him the moments of chance. He bagged in 11 goals, two above his own tally last week, to maintain his
goal-scoring feat and earn himself another Golden Leg Prize.

Another team, the Greys led by experienced Gideon Omokirio made a bouncing start combining well with another provincial find Nicholas Muri and
two experienced nationals in the 11’s code, Batram Suri and George Lui but the short duration of the Beach Soccer game made it awkward for their late strikes.

Batram who came to watch the young boys in Beach decided to try out his skills and experience and looked certain to be hooked into Beach
Soccer.

He made some spectacular goals. It was just unfortunate for Grey but they were looking more determined than the rest. They are a team to watch
next Saturday.

As for the Yellows, it seems that the Organisers have left it all to goalkeeper Fred Hale to do magic. Filled with young futsal players, who
tend to dribble along the surface, they usually lost ball possession well before they had any opportunity to shoot.

Their size and height was a problem against the opposing defenders, and were not able to get up and flick the ball on.

But these young lads look set to develop into remarkable beach soccer players. The Yellows will certainly need one or two experienced players
on their side next Saturday.

Bilikiki Road to France Cup and $1,000 cash was proudly sponsored by DJ Graphics Ltd. DC Park which
is owned by DJ Graphics Ltd as well is free to the Bilikiki National team’s preparation for the Beach Soccer World Cup in France July this year.

Spectators are welcome to support the Bilikiki League by going up to DC Park each Saturday afternoon. There is a food and drink stall operated
by the DC Park Staff with the proceeds getting ploughed back into the administration of the league.

Story courtesy SIFF Media Officer Francis Pituvaka