Puaikura FC

While Veitongo’s 3-1 win over Utulei Youth at Loto-Tonga Soka Centre sees them come into contention as they slot into the table just behind the Samoan club champions on goal difference.

Puaikura FC were the first to open scoring in this afternoon’s opener against Lupe Ole Soaga when defender Kris Carpenter’s head connected with a cross from Tyrell Barringer-Tahiri to find the back of the net in the 29th minute. Puaikura continued their momentum and found the goal again only a minute later when Maro Bonsu-Maro followed up poor clearance by Lupe goalkeeper Faalavelave Matagi.

The tournament opener between Utulei Youth and Lupe Ole Soaga was a close and physical battle, with back-to-back goals from either side, leaving the three points hunt open to right up until the final minutes of the match.

Two goals from Lapalapa Toni and a goal each from Suivai Ataga and Samuel Malo trumped the three goals scored by Utulei Youth’s Paulo Bourne and Kenneth Kerewi, setting the Samoans on the right path ahead of their next match.