Soccer: Pacific clubs knuckle down for battle

The days of one-sided romps against the island nations might be coming to an end.

With clubs around the Pacific fully aware of the spoils awaiting the O-League champions, clubs are taking the competition seriously.

None more so than Papua New Guinea champions Hekari United - or Petroleum Resources Kutubu Hekari United Football Club - who have gone all out in their search for success.

Coached by Solomon Islander Jerry Allen, the club has long had two Solomon Islanders, Benjamin Mela and Joachim Waroi, on their books. Last month they were joined by Solomon Island internationals Gideon Omokirio, Stanley Waita, Henry Fa'arodo, Eddie Ngaitini and Alick Maemae - most of whom have played in New Zealand in recent years.

Hekari go into today's final group B match, ironically away to Solomon Islands champions Marist, with a one-point lead. Given Marist's record - just one point and two goals from five games - Hekari, despite playing away from home, are heavily favoured even though they won their home tie just 2-1.

Early pace-setters Lautoka stumbled in their last outing when beaten 1-0 at home by Hekari.

Anything other than a win for the PNG side in Honiara today will let Lautoka and Vanuatu representative Tafea FC back into the race.

Tafea are at home in Port Vila to play Lautoka today.

The two group winners will play home and away with the first leg - at the home of the group B winner - on April 17-18. The second leg in Auckland will follow on May 1 or 2 - a week after the NZFC grand final.