The mighty Diesel Power suffered a shock defeat to the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education loosing 22 - 19.
Diesel Power started as the obvious favorites, but with less then 15 minutes into the game SICHE's prop broke through from half way to score a try. The try boosted SICHE's morale and they defended tirelessly as they were hammered by the heavy forward pack of Diesel Power.Frustration crept in and Diesel Power was penalized for a high tackle. Edmund Tai converted the penalty putting SICHE up eight nil.
A barrage of attack from the Diesel forwards slowly weakened SICHE's defense, a well executed try was scored by the forwards of Diesel Power just before half time.
At least three SICHE forwards were substituted, SICHE had to dig deep to contain Diesels forward pack. The second half was played mostly in SICHE's territory, the penalty count against SICHE mounted as Diesel kept pressing forward.
Diesel Power dominated the line outs and scrums, the captain opted to use this advantage by kicking for touch. This proved effective, line outs were easily won giving their forwards time to push for territory. A try was scored in similar fashion giving Diesel a 12 - 8 lead.
SICHE replied with a quick try from their backline, capitalizing on a mistake from Diesels winger. The turning point of the game came thirty three minutes into the second half when SICHE's backline broke through to score a well deserved try.
In an unusual twist, the referee had to be substituted ten minutes before full time from muscle cramps. Diesel scored a late try through a pick and drive that started from close to the twenty two. "An excellent game" a spectator stated.