Hekari continues perfect start

By PATRICIA KEAMO
HEKARI United continued their perfect start to the Women’s National Soccer League season, remaining at the top of the Southern Conference ladder after thrashing Bernice 13-1 in round five at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Headed by former representative Miriam Lanta, rookies Bernice are still trying to find their feet with support from senior players Catherine and Francesca Mandoni.
Hekari coach Erickson Komeng fielded most of his experienced players who capitalised on their attacking strength to outclass Bernice.
Hekari’s Callista Maneo scored five goals while Marie Kaipu and Sonia Embahe each scored a hat-trick.
Mavis Singara netted a double.
Dane Hano netted the only goal for Bernice.
“I’m not surprised to be at the top of the ladder because my team have worked hard to get there,” Komeng told The National. “It’s all about hard work and discipline.”
In the opening match, National Capital District edged Amoana 2-1 and Port Moresby Strikers, boosted by the return of their key players, defeated rookies Souths Hinamo 3-1.
The conference will take a two-week break while the other three conferences continue their matches to finish the first round.
Meanwhile, Northern Conference completed round four on Saturday after playing their midweek matches last week.
Lahi Power retained the top spot after outclassing LFA Originals 5-1 in the opening match at 11-Mile outside Lae while Bara continued their form to sink Rainy Lae 6-2.
In the main match, Madang’s Tusbab Laidamon suffered a 0-3 loss to Poro.
Results: Sat, April 16 – NCD 2 Amoana 1, Hekari United 13 Bernice 1, Port Moresby Strikers 3 Souths Hinamo 1 (Southern), Lahi Power 5 LFA Originals, Bara 6 Rainy Lae 2, Poro 3 Tusbab 0 (Northern).