It took just five minutes for Guadalcanal to assert themselves in the encounter putting Western United on the back foot from very early on.
The side tried create chances inside the visitors penalty area but had to resort to long-range shooting to look threatening as Gualdalcanal closed ranks at the back to protect their lead.
However the tactic soon paid off for coach John Gagame’s side as Joylyn Timo sent a screaming volley from distance past the Guadalcanal keeper for the equaliser before the break.
The match remained locked at 1-1 until the end of normal time with a number of chances wasted by either good defending or poor finishing from either side.
As the match headed into extra time it seemed that the two sides would remain inseparable until a heroic effort from Rose Malefo broke the deadline and earned Western United the champions title.
Gagame says he was impressed with his side’s performance in the final.
“As a coach I’m happy with the team’s performance, our hard work paid off.
“It’s our first time to come out and play in an organised competition like this and to win means a lot to us all,” he says.
“I would like to thank Guadalcanal for their participation and a good grand final match.”
Western United captain Cathy Vavaha wasn’t just celebrating the team victory at the final whistle, but also the fact that she was going home with an individual trophy of her own.
The Form Five student from Vura Secondary School scored eight goals in four matches to lay claim to the tournament’s Golden Boot award.
“Prior to the competition I had aimed for this award and now I’m holding it in my hands,” she says.
“I’m so happy to receive this award and I would like to thank my teammates for their support in helping me to get this prize.”
Guadalcanal captain Jessica Leua said her side put their all into the match so can return home without any regrets.
“We lost but that does not mean it’s the end, we did our best,” she says.
“There were chances for us to come out victorious but we did not take them, United had theirs and they took them.
“We would like to thank the organisers, SIFF, our coach, supporters and all the teams for helping us throughout this competition. We look forward to fuiture competitions.
For more on Solomon Islands football visit www.siff.com.sb.
Image and additional reporting courtesy of Solomon Star News

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