Koloale FC reigns supreme in Super 8 Challenge final after beating Uncles 2-1

The finals of the Super 8 Challenge ended Tuesday night as Uncles and Koloale battled for first place. It was initially a fiery contest until tired legs and ill-discipline turned it into a lethargic game that fizzled out as the game progressed. However, at the end of the day Koloale reigned supreme as it capitalized on defensive errors and a short-handed Uncles team to win 2-1 in extra time.

Earlier in the day both Makuru and Marist ran rampant scoring 9 goals in total and Makuru consolidating the third position with a 6-3 demolition of a young but inexperienced Marist side lacking the services of Benjamin Mela, Abraham Iniga and Jack Samani. Alick Maemae returned to the Makuru line-up and scored within 7 minutes to start the goal scoring spree. Marist was still in the game until veterens Batram Suri, Maemae and Lui ensured that Makuru had a four goal cushion in the second half. Marist scored a consolation goal to finish the game 6-3.

Uncles vs Koloale
The finals was a well contested game. Koloale was resolute in defense and clearly dominated possession. Uncles for all its flair and energy could not create clear chances for its lethal combination of Judd Molea and Junior Billy to score. It was Koloale who broke the deadlock in the first half when Richard Anisua pounced on a rebound to score the easiest of goals. It was perfect timing and with the Uncles defense in disarray. To compound their misery, Uncles captain George Kwanae's crude tackle early in the second half earned himself an early shower. A revamped defense was immediately put in place as Tas was brought in and Bata Furai was shifted to anchor the defense. It worked well as Uncles was able to hold off the pacy Lency Saeni and Oscar Sara at bay. In what seemed like a cruel twist of fate, second half substitute Brian Feni earned Uncles a penalty in injury time when Koloale appeared certain to win 1-0. Judd Molea's well taken penalty beat Ramoni and the scores were level.

In injury time, the pace slowed but still both sides persisted. Another crunching tackle and red card for Bata late in injury time was perhaps the final straw. The Uncles defense crumbled and Koloale with a two men advantage, the Uncle's defense was a gaping hole. A well constructed build up saw Lency Saeni unmarked outside the penalty area. He was quick to launch a perfect lob over the oncoming keeper and sealed the win for Koloale.

It was a disappointing game for Uncles but they need to work on discipline and composure. Their midfield was not functioning as it should and so Molea and Billy were starved off possession. Congratulations to Koloale, they maintained control and created more scoring opportunities and shots on goal. The Uncles FC chant was silent and many disappointed Uncles fans will point to the red cards as the ultimate let down.

National Club Championships (NCC) updates

It is reported that Honiara has been awarded 4 slots in the championships with an additional reserved spot for Kossa. Requests by Malaita, Guadalcanal and Western Provinces were denied on the basis that extra teams from provinces will dilute the competition. The NCC should have 10 or 12 spots available and with only 5 provinces confirmed, it may be reasonable to conclude that the 5 teams from Honiara will make up the numbers for the competition.

Source: A Simple Game blog