Solien happy with side’s performance despite loss

GULF Isou coach Bagelo Solien is happy that his side competed against reigning Digicel Cup premiers Hela Wigmen for most of their round-three clash before losing 8-22 at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
He said after the game that his men could not absorb the pressure in the last 20 minutes when the referee continued to award consecutive set restarts to the Wigmen.
Coach Charlie Wabo’s Wigmen scored three unanswered tries in the final quarter of the game to continue their perfect start to the season.
“We competed well for most of the game, but consecutive set restarts to the Wigmen didn’t help,” Solien said.
“The Wigmen built pressure off the back of those set restarts and our defence just couldn’t contain them.
“But I think the set restart rule has been interpreted wrongly.”
Solien said he was content with the performance of his captain and former SP Hunters pivot Roger Laka.
“Laka played well,” he said.
“He led the team around the park and they fed off him, which is exactly what we need.
“We just have to work on our weaknesses for our next game.”
Meanwhile, Solien confirmed that former SP Hunter Bland Abavu had been released by the club after he refuse the Covid-19 vaccination.
“It’s unfortunate that Abavu had to be released,” he said.
“Not only him — we lost a number of players for the same reason.
“It’s unfortunate, but it is what it is.”