Winnie scores hat-trick as Eastern Stars crush Southern Strikers

By BENJAMIN KOITAKA
Former national representative and Eastern Stars midfielder Andrew Lepani commended his side for securing their second straight win after defeating the Southern Striker 4–1 at the Sir John Guise Stadium on Saturday.
Stars striker Tau Winnie netted three goals — 2nd, 32nd and 47th minute — Nathaniel Lepani managed to get on the score sheet.
The Strikers only goal was through Walo Tau in the 43rd minute.
Lepani said he was pleased with the win.
“We are happy with the win,” Lepani said.
“Getting another three points was what we wanted to finish the first round on a high note.
“The club got off to a slow start because we had players who were yet to get their combinations right.”
The 39-year-old former Hekari United star said they were yet to find the right combinations.
“As we progressed through the round and played more games together, the results started to show.
“We are a young team with a lot of promising players in the club.”
Lepani thanked Winnie for stepping up to deliver a hat-trick.
“We had Jessy Neibu coming off with a shoulder injury and that adds to our list of woes,” Lepani said.
“But we know that’s part of playing in the NSL
“We’re managing our players, so the coach will rotate players to minimise the chances of injury.”