HONIARA:  The Telekom Wantok Cup got off to a perfect start on Thursday with the two local sides, Solomon Bonito and Solympic sharing competition points following a 3-all draw.

It was the Bonitos that opened the scoring when national striker Godwin Bebeu got on the end of a perfectly weighted through ball which fell just behind the Solympic defenders, and was able to lob it past an advancing Shadrack Ramoni.

Then minutes later, Bebeu again split the Solympics defense to score his second leaving Ramoni in no mans land and Solympic coach Luke Eroi and his boys a mountain to climb.

It was apparent the Solympics would never lay down their guard as they raised their tempo to score two goals, cancelling out Bonitos two goals before the halftime break.

However, an own-goal by Solympics defender Milton Bata Furai helped Bonito regained their lead and set them on the path to victory.

Solympic’s coach sensing the urgency to find the equalizer, introduced new players who instantly shot into action.

The match was evenly contested from then on with both sides having chances to score. But just when Bonito thought they would go away with three points, Solympics Presley Futa booted in the equalizer.

The Solympic bench erupted into wild celebrations and not long after the final whistle was blown to end the match.

SOLOMON BONITO: Leon Lekezoto 1, Marlon Houkarawa 6, Nelson Sale 2, Martin Ruhasia 16, Arnold Keni 3, Mostyn Beui 15, Judd Molea 10, Ian Ngahu 8, Lency Saeni , Commins Menapi 11, Godwin Bebeu 9. SUBSTITUTES: Navusu Kitu 22, Seni Ngava 14, Matthew Okamae 4, Moffat Kilifa 20, Patrick Miniti Jr 20, Leonard Rokoto 7, Richard Anisua 5, Oscar Sara 12, Stephen Sikou.

SOLYMPICS: Shadrack Ramoni 1, Hardis Aengari 17, Timothy Joe 6, Welchman Houkarawa 2, Joe Manu 13, Milton Bata Furai 4, Fulton Temoa 18, Gibson Daudau 3, Presley Futa 9, Ezra Sale 10, Billy Olomani Jr 11. SUBSTITUTES: Mark Constantine 20, Stanton Hila 5, Marlon Maemania 8, Richard Mama 12, Jeffery Bule 19, Andrew Waimora 16, Kluivert Dagi Jnr 15, Nathan Kera 7, Johan Doiwale 14.

Referee: Lency Fred (Van)

Asst 1:   Hamilton Siau (Sol)

Asst 2:   Jovita Qila (Sol)

4th Official: Chris Saeni

++++++++++++++