Soccer: Islanders on the rampage

The Solomon Islands connection YoungHeart Manawatu so obviously enjoy broke new ground yesterday.

Led by young Benjamin Totori who scored five, the Colin Tuaa-coached side thumped hapless Hawkes Bay United 8-1 to consolidate their second place on the New Zealand Football Championship table.

While Totori was the star turn in his team's 10th win of the season, he was well-supported by fellow Solomon Islanders Alek Maemae and Commins Menapi who scored the other three.

Totori rocked the visitors at the Arena in Palmerston North with goals in the fifth, 10th and 14th minutes in what must surely rate as one of the quickest hat-tricks in any domestic competition.

Veteran Martin Akers got one back for the Bay in the 26th minute before Totori grabbed his fourth on the half-hour.

Menapi stretched the lead to 5-1 in the 37th minute.

Maemae then had his turn in the limelight with strikes in the 55th and 60th minutes before leaving the last word with Totori who completed the rout five minutes from time.

The victory for a Manawatu side who have lost only twice in 16 outings kept them three points clear of Canterbury United who will be looking to enjoy a similar goalfest when they travel to Napier on Saturday.