BATRAM SURI SENDS MAKURU TOP OF DJ LEAGUE

HONIARA – Makuru FC bounced back to the top of the DJ League Premier Division following its 3-2 win over Laugu FC in their mid-week clash at Lawson Tama Stadium.

Goals from international midfielder George Lui, John Anita and Batram Suri sealed victory for Makuru who remain unbeaten after five rounds of the competition. But it was not easy as Makuru battled
against a stubborn Laugu outfit.

Former Western Turtle defender Alec Wickham stood his ground on a number of occasions shutting Makuru’s talisman Batram Suri from pausing any real threat around Laugu’s
goalmouth.

Makuru got onto the score sheet first before Laugu replied.

Tied 1-all both teams returned after halftime spell with a lot of urgency and Makuru’s John Anita who came in from the bench scored from inside the six yards box.

Laugu players were unconvinced and appealed for offside but the match referee Chris Lengata stood by his decision and awarded Makuru the goal.

As the match wore on, Makuru brought in fresh legs in an attempt to maintain their strength and boost their goal scoring chances. And it paid off for them when Wickham – who worked
tirelessly to water down Makuru’s attacks – became a villain when he accidentally handled the ball inside the 18 yards box – giving Makuru the opportunity to increase their lead.

Veteran star striker Suri slotted the spot kick to give his team a 3-1 lead. But just when Makuru thought they would walk away with 3-1 win, Laugu was handed a spot kick and Peter Kaukui made no
mistake in finding the back of the net to give his team a respectable finish.

The match ended with 3-2 victory to Makuru.

Meanwhile, Walas redeemed itself from three consecutive losses by winning their midweek clash beating Sunbeam 2-1 to register three valuable and much-needed DJ Premier League
points.

Walas win also lifted them off the bottom of the DJ Premier League table leaving newly promoted Rangers and Naha as the only clubs that have not registered a point since the
competition started more than two months ago.

Rising striking sensation Michael Taeman was the toast of his side, scoring two vital goals within minute of each other to seal Walas their first victory.

Walas has always been a competitive side since the beginning of the league with Taeman’s eye catching performances a highlight.

Taeman has been linked to well-established clubs who are keen on getting him into their squad however, Walas management are adamant he will not leave them.

Taeman has proved a thorn for defenders of opposing teams and will again star for West Honiara in the upcoming Telekom Cup national U23 competition.

*In other Solomon Islands football news, Uncles’ Kidston Billy scored a hat-trick against Zome and helped his team to move up the DJ Premier League to fourth place displacing KOSSA
in the process.

However, the shift in fortunes may be short-lived if KOSSA can beat Marist in tomorrow’s top of the table clash between the countries two in-form clubs.

Marist will be without their inspirational strikers Abraham Iniga and Jack Samani who have resigned with PRK Souths in the Papua New Guinea National Soccer League Telikom Cup.

KOSSA has also lost key players James Naka and Joe Luwi who are with the Bilikiki team in Brazil and will field a young and inexperienced side for this match.

DJ LEAGUE – PREMIER DIVISION 

Standings – 01.11.07 

DJ Premier League Results: Walas 2, Sunbeam 1; Laugu 2, Makuru 3; Zome 0, Uncles 3

03.11.07    Hana vs Rangers    1600hrs       Lawson Tama Stadium

*Solomon Islands Time