Fiji tore Solomon Islands apart 3-0 at Trusts Stadium, Waitakere, today blowing the OFC Men’s U20 Championship competiton wide open. Fiji’s Roy Krishna helped himself to a brace as the Solomon Islands struggled to cope with his electric pace and deadly finishing.

Solomon Islands lynchpin Judd Molea was marked out of the match by Fijian skipper Esava Naqeleca who kept tabs on the gifted midfield/striker throughout a keenly fought contest.

Alvin Singh grabbed Fiji’s second goal, a strike which took the wind out of Solomon Islands sails.

New Zealand kept pace with a 7-1 win over struggling Samoa but it was a far from convincing performance by Stu Jacob’s youngsters. New Zealand laboured through a difficult first half building a 3-1 lead following some generous Samoan defending with Dan Keat, Sam Jenkins and an own goal helping the Kiwi cause.

Samoa had something to smile about when they ironically scored the best goal of the first half through Silo Malo. The second-half yeilded further good fortune for the hosts when Fulham midfielder Chris James buried a penalty awarded after a Samoan defender caught the ball in the box.

While New Zealand piled on a further three goals it was hardly the rip-roaring performance Stu Jacobs would have hoped for.

Earlier Tahiti and Vanuatu served up a spectacular match in which the pace never let up as the two French-speaking nations clashed. Vanuatu came from behind to take a 2-1 lead despite Tahiti looking the more likely of the two sides to score from open play throughout the match. Tahiti eventually clawed their way back with a 94th minute equaliser to ensure their share of the spoils.