World Footy News

Matches on Saturday, Day 5 of the AFL Under 16s Oceania Cup began with Fiji Power up against New Zealand at 1pm, followed by Nauru vs Solomon Islands and finally PNG vs Tonga in the top of the table clash, the President's XVIII having the bye.

This report is based exclusively from the AFL Fiji press release for Day 5. Full credit to the professionalism and organisation shown by the folk from AFL Fiji. Again, Dr Robert Wolfgramm (AFL Fiji chairman) is presenting a fine public image AFL Fiji.

Fiji took on New Zealand, in a game that might put some icing on an already successful tournament for the Power, having a 3-2 record going in. Their opponents in the New Zealand Hawks would be disappointed with the return of one win from five starts, the solitary win earlier over debutants the Solomon Islands.

Both teams goaled in the early stages of the first half, however from there on NZ were more efficient and clinical going forward. The final margin of 12 points was perhaps not an accurate reflection. The Fijian lads have had a massive learning curve, and it’s reported that 2 of their behinds were certain goals had only that they had been shepherded through.

New Zealand 6.2.(38) def Fiji 3.8.(26)

The good news story of the tournament, the debutants from the Solomon Islands, managed to give Nauru a real fright. At half time they led the Micronesians by 2 goals, but, with smaller bodies and less experience, they ran out of legs as Nauru took the lead and pulled away.

Nauru def Solomon Islands (scores not yet received)

In the Grand Final preview, PNG asserted themselves from the start, and lead at half time with 2 goals to Tonga yet to bother the scorers. By full time PNG had pulled further away to run out 39 point victors.

PNG 7.3.(45) def Tonga 1.0.(6)

Day 6 is a rest day, church and excursion on the agenda.

The last day on Monday sees the play off finals. PNG and Tonga will go at it again in the 1st place final, and it will be interesting to see what Tonga can take out of today’s hammering and perhaps apply it on Monday.

Fiji and Nauru both head into the 3rd place play off with 3 wins apiece, although Fiji will be confident after besting Nauru by 8 points back on Tuesday in the first match of the tournament.

The 5th place play off has been reported as NZ vs Solomon Islands. I might guess that Solomon Islands actually finished last on the table, but, presumably for ranking purposes, it’s more appropriate for the national side to play this match than for the Presidents XVIII. I could of course be well off the mark.

Unofficial final table (scores for % to be confirmed)

Team	W	L
Papua New Guinea	6	0
Tonga	5	1
Fiji	3	3
Nauru	3	3
New Zealand	2	4
President's XVIII	1	5
Solomon Islands	1	5