Oro beat Stars in second friendly game

 ORO FC edged Eastern Stars FC 5-4 in a high-scoring National Soccer League friendly match at the Bisini Soccer ground on Saturday.

It was sweet revenge for the Joe Turia and Matthew Witu-coached team after their 2-1 loss in the first friendly.

The match allowed teams to try out combinations in the lead-up to the NSL, which kicks off on January 25.

Oro franchise owner and Oro Governor Gary Juffa has invested money in the soccer team so that it becomes a flagship for the province in the semi-professional competition.

Eastern Stars, who are sponsored by Huawei, is co-sponsored by another politician in Alotau MP and Minister for National Planning, Charles Abel.

Stars franchise owner Joseph Ealedona described the friendly hit-out as very good for both teams.

“We tried out young players in Basil Jofari and Rodney Mobiha in the midfield, while midfield maestro Michael Foster was tried at the stopper position.”He said Oro had yet to finalise its team so they actually used more players than the Stars.

In other friendlies played at PNGFA Academy, Morobe United defeated Besta United 2-1.