Solomon Islands got their XIII South Pacific Games – Samoa 2007 preparations back on track with a resounding 8-3 victory over Queensland State League side Palm Beach Sharks last night.

A hat-trick from former Youngheart Manawatu star striker Benjamin Totori was enough to give coach Airton Andrioli’s team something to smile about after recent patchy form against a Honiara Select XI
and the national U-23 side.

Totori joined a raft of Kiwi-based Solomon Islands players including George Suri, Commins Menapi, Alick Maemae, in a goal rout that will help raise spirits ahead of their Samoan campaign.

Solomon Islands other goals were scored by Melbourne-based striker Henry Fa’arodo who helped himself to a brace with Waitakere United’s Commins Menapi, Youngheart Manawatu’s Alick Maemae and
up-and-coming midfield maestro Judd Molea rounding off the goal glut with a trademark freekick.

Molea was an outstanding performer at the OFC U-20 Men’s Championship – New Zealand 2007 in January of this year and has made remarkable progress since then under the watchful eye of Andrioli.

Head coach Airton Andrioli was delighted with the free-scoring hit out from his preferred starting eleven with Samoa just over a week-and-a-half away but will be wary of his defence after they
conceded their sixth goal in three outings.

A back four consisting of Waitakere United stopper George Suri, Samson Takayama, Bilikiki Boys Beach Soccer hero Gideon Omokirio and relative newcomer David Taro will be disappointed at conceding
three goals to a club side.

Midfield protection for a back four that is yet to find it’s feet may be the order of Andrioli’s day. At present the Brazilian-born tactician is employing a very attack minded midfield quartet of
Judd Molea, Henry Fa’arodo, George Lui and Alick Maemae, a combination with plenty of physical and mental pace going forward but questionable defensive qualities.

Solomon Islands will face Gold Coast club champions Burleigh before they conclude their short tour of Australia with a match against former Australia national team coach Frank Farina and his Hyundai
A-League side Queensland Roar this Friday night.

Solomon Islands have been drawn in Group B alongside American Samoa, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu with the top two teams at the end of pool play progressing to the semi-finals.

Airton Andrioli’s team open their XIII South Pacific Games Men’s Football Tournament campaign against American Samoa on 25th August, 2007, at J.S.Blatter Playing Field in Apia.

SOLOMON ISLANDS (4-4-2): Fred Hale; George Suri, Gideon Omokirio, Samson Takayama, David Taro; Judd Molea, Alick Maemae, Henry Fa’arodo, George Lui; Benjamin Totori, Commins Menapi.

In other football news from Honiara, two local coaches have been selected to attend The FA International Coaching Licence Course from August 19 to September 8 at Lillieshall National Sports Centre in
England.

Malaita Football Association president, Derick Taka and former national player Moses Toata have been selected to participate in the programme based on their performance recently when the FA
introductory course was held in Honiara.

Taka and Toata are expected to receive the International Licence Award at the end of the course which is equivalent to the UEFA B Award.

Subject to recommendation, upon completion of the International Licence Course, it could enable participants to gain access onto FA’s Preparatory Course for the UEFA `A’ Licence.

Meanwhile, Taka and Toata will leave for England this Thursday and return on September 10.