The Solomon Islands Fijian community, as part of its Fiji Day celebrations on Saturday, took on a Honiara select side at the Panatina oval. The Honiara select team won the match 10-7.
Stacked with some former national rugby squad members, the Fijians had a formidable force in its forward pack. Veteran second row player, Tela Delairavata, led the Fijian charge up against a stiff Solomon Islands defence. The Fijians were rewarded in the 20th minute from a pick and drive in the Solomon Islands twenty two to score a try along with a successful conversion.Just before half time, national veteran, Keith Namona, converted a penalty awarded to Solomon Islands for a late infringement by the Fijian forwards outside their own twenty two.
Tides turned in the second half as Solomon Islands', Rex Kiloko, charged through a strong defence in the Fijian twenty two to set up Walter Ramo for a try. Nick Na'amoana nearly missed the conversion but luckily the ball deflected inwards from the goal post to end the game 10-7 to Solomon Islands.