Fiji’s outstanding hockey performance on day two puts Solomons men in a tight spot

The Fiji men’s and women’s hockey teams enjoyed a successful day two of the Sol2023 pool games competition at Honiara’s National Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.

The men’s team secured significant victories against Vanuatu (3-1) and Solomon Islands (2-0).

Fiji men’s coach Alsace Smith said he acknowledged the competitiveness of the Pacific Games and remained hopeful about defending their gold title.

“I want to thank supporters from the whole of the Pacific who are cheering not only for their team but for everyone including us,” Smith told the Pacific Games News Service.

In the women’s competition, Fiji emerged victorious against Tonga (8-2) and triumphed 1-0 against Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Solomon Islands’ women’s team secured wins against Vanuatu, PNG and Samoa.

Speaking to the Pacific Games News Service, Solomon Islands women’s captain, Jeremy

Oliva Ghailobo said  their victory over team Samoa proves they can also beat Fiji on Thursday.

“We are confident and ready to play even though we know it’s going to be a tough match for us,” she said.

The pool games also saw victories for Tonga and PNG in the men’s competition, while Samoa and Tonga achieved wins in the women’s competition.

As a result of the day’s matches, Solomon Islands will face Vanuatu in a deciding match for the semi-final.

The competition is heating up as teams vie for a spot in the next round of the Pacific Games.

By Jeffson Aghi, Emily Ramofolo, Ellen Tinoni, Marella Puleki and Wilson Legumana, Pacific Games News Service