The Fiji Men’s and Women’s hockey teams successfully defended their Pacific Games Gold medals in scorching 31-degree conditions at the 17th edition of the games in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The women defeated Solomon 2-0, with goals from Melba Nautu and Lala Ravatu in the second half, breaking the nil-all deadlock at halftime.
The men secured victory against PNG in a penalty shootout, winning 3-2 after a goalless full-time. PNG’s keeper, Henry Pomoso, couldn’t block Fiji’s Zane Ah Yuk, Denzel Mock, and Kelvin Ratubuli. Fiji’s keeper, Darren-Lee Sawaki successfully blocked Jersey Dusty’s attempt.
Winning coaches Hector Smith and Alstace Smith thanked the players, their families, and supporters.
In the lead-up to the finals, the Fiji Women’s team dominated PNG 3-0 in the semis, while the men overcame Vanuatu 2-1 in a shootout after a 1-all draw.
Both teams reached the semis by topping their respective pools with a clean slate. The women won four of their five round-robin games and drew nil-all with the host team, while the men secured victories in all five matches, including a 5-3 win over PNG.
