Spurred on by the memory of their close exit at the hands of Western Kikio in the semi-finals of the last championship, the Sharks stepped up to another level this year and even had the energy to lift their performance further in the final game.
The new champions’ stand-out performers on the day were Ian Ngahugari and Cecil Buru but it was a double from Matthias Saru that was largely to thank for earning them the title. They were 2-0 in front by the end of the opening third and extended that lead to three in the second. A strong fight back from Honiara West arrived in the last third but the Sharks kept their composure to emerge victorious.
Muri, who stars for the Bilikiki national team, was the first to find the back of the net, his goal coming after just four minutes, and the lead quickly became two when Saru slipped a shot home not long after.
The second third saw some defensive strength emerge from Honiara West but they were matched at the opposing end with the same determination by the Sharks, who appeared in no mood to let any strikes in. When a goal did finally arrive it again went the way of Makira Ulawa, a free kick from Ngahugari finding its way past goalkeeper Clement Kalibiu to make it 3-0.
Honiara West now had to produce something special in the last third and their hopes were rekindled when Thomas Taloga got them on the board for the first time. But the Sharks’ three-goal lead was restored once more when Saru again beat Kalibiu to score his 11th goal of the competition and claim the golden boot award.
Michael Misitana pulled another one back for Honiara West but they could not find any further goals as Makira Ulawa hung on to earn an historic first title.
The Sharks had further reason to celebrate after making a clean sweep of the individual awards on offer. As well as Saru winning the golden boot, Muri was presented with the golden ball for being the tournament’s best player and George Lifu received the golden gloves as best goalkeeper.
Lifu won the same award last year while playing for Western Kikio.
The fair play award went to the Sharks’ sister team, Makira Ulawa Eels, to round off an outstanding year for Makira Ulawa Football Association in the beach code.
Our Telekom National Beach Soccer Championship 2011
Champions: Makira Ulawa Sharks
Runners-up: Honiara West
Third: Northern United
Golden Ball: Nicholas Muri (Makira Ulawa Sharks)
Golden Gloves: George Lifu (Makira Ulawa Sharks)
Golden Boot: Matthias Saru (Makira Ulawa Sharks)
Fair Play Award: Makira Ulawa Eels
For more on Solomon Islands football go to www.siff.com.sb

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