Hekari flex muscles

By HENRY MORABANG
HEKARI United surged to the top of the ladder after thrashing Admiralty Peliau 6-0 in the wash-out National Soccer League clash at Bisini Soccer ground yesterday.
In the earlier match, Oro joined Hekari on top of the ladder after edging out the Huawei-sponsored Eastern Stars 2-1.
 The unofficial ladder as of yesterday has Hekari 4, Oro 4, Gigira 3, Lae 3, Admiralty 1, Eastern Star 1 and Besta 0.
Admiralty started the game well putting pressure on Hekari’s defence. Lawrence Diou came close to scoring for the Manus franchise early on but the Reds defence held its line.
Hekari regrouped and launched an offensive play in the sixth minute when Hekari striker Nicholas Muri was brought down by Chris David in the box.
Flanker Tutizama Tanito made sure of the spot kick to put Hekari in front 1-0.
Admiralty midfielders Roniel Igens and Michael Foster began finding holes in Hekari defence but Moffat Kalifa and Pakot Poesi missed some golden opportunities.
The Manusians kept on the pressure which saw a collision between Moffat and Hekari goalkeeper Leslie Kalai who had to be replaced.
Hekari kept with Muri finally sliced one through Rapatona defence for his first of his hattricks of goals.
Hekari led 2-0 at half time.
The Reds continued their momentum in the second stanza goaling  through Solomon Islander Muri – his second for the afternoon – to lead 3-0.
Nigel Dabinyaba headed a good cross from his captain David Muta to extend the lead to 4-0 by which time the game was effectively over.
Muri scored his hat-trick as Hekari ran away with the match 5-0 against a tiring Admiralty.
Gunemba put the final nail in the coffin searing strike to seal the match 6-0.