SOLOMON ISLANDS have formed a women’s team for the first time in the history of the sport in their country.
And they are competing in the FIH Hockey World League Round One at National Hockey Centre in Suva.
The team had a surprise when they played at the artificial turf compared with playing on grass at home. They faced an acid test losing 9-1 to Fiji in their first international..
Team official Eddie Koke said it was a big challenge.
“This is the first time we have come to play hockey since this is also the first Solomon Islands women’s team ever formed,” he said.
“Solomon Islands is only known for Futsal and football, but we are happy we have started in hockey. We had to look for players from schools and in communities to form the team.
“In five years if we give time to the girls and proper guidance, I am sure we will be a good hockey nation. We are learning a lot of new things.”
Player Madlyn Sikomea said there was a lot of dedication and commitment shown by the players.
“The men’s team was there in 1970, but not the women’s team. The boys had been playing in the Pacific Games,” she said.
“Back home we have been playing on grass and soil and coming here to play on artificial turf is a challenge for us. The ages of the players range from 15-22 years.”
Day Two results: Women: PNG 2 – SOL 1, FIJ 19 – TGA 0, FIJ 9 – SOL 1, PNG 7 – TGA 0. Men: SOL 3 – TGA 2, FIJ 4 – VAN 4 (2-2) (3-2) In sudden death, Fiji won for a total score of 7-6. Van 3 – SOL 1, PNG 7 – TGA 1
