Newcomers to the Solrais Women’s Premier League, Ha’arosia, have earned their first victory in the competition after seeing off Borderline United 3-1 at the weekend.
Ha’arosia had to wait for the second half to open the scoring courtesy of a Dorinda Halute’e header in the 48th minute, before Sina Sanubo added a second goal just three minutes later.
Borderline hit back through Naomi To’opuri but it proved nothing but a consolation goal for the side still searching for their first points on the competition, as Rose Manehioha sealed the victory with her 73rd minute strike.
Ha’arosia FC coach Diane Justus said the team is delighted to have achieved one of their goals of securing their first win of the season.
“We have witnessed what we wanted to see. Fortunately we have achieved our goal and an additional three points from the match,” Justus said.
Team captain Cynthia Houhuini said the side are proud of their early achievement, with the side showing great improvement on their opening two matches of the competition.
“First of all, I’m really proud of the girls. We are obviously happy about the win, the first win is always special and it’s always nice to get the three points,” she said.
“We are a new team and a lot of our members are still not used to playing with each other in a team and so we are always looking forward to opportunities where we all learn to work together to strive for the same goal. I was so impressed to see the girls’ strength and confidence out there on the pitch.
“There was leadership up front and leadership in the back line and also our coach kept on encouraging us on the sidelines which we always appreciate from her. “
Houhuini also acknowledged the fierce competitiveness of fellow competition debutants Borderline.
“We are both new teams and they put up a great game,” she said. “We wish them all the best for their remaining matches.”
Ha’arosia face defending champions RSIPF Royals in the fourth round of the competition this weekend, an encounter which Justus expects will be tough.
“We’ll be taking on our friends from Royals next week and we hope for the best on the match.”
The two sides met previously during a pre-season friendly in March, with Royals winning 5-2.
Written with support from Ha’arosia FC