New Caledonian football's best taking on mainland France team
Hienghene Sport of New Caledonia will oppose Olympic of St-Quentin in the French National Cup football competition next week in France.
The team will attempt to qualify for the 8th round of the competition for the first time.
President of Hienghene Sport Carl Fisdiepas told La Premiere he has no idea what to expect.
"I've looked on the internet about its composition and the way it plays but I haven't obtained much information, just that the team are a little bit in difficulty at the start of the championship."
The New Caledonian team qualified after dominating the New Caledonian Cup.
Tonga Talas top in netball tourney
Tonga's Tala have confirmed a spot in the final of the PacificAus Sports Netball Series tournament in Queensland.
The Tala lead the table, having beaten all comers including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Australia Pathways, and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
The team is to play Samoa in the last pre-finals round, but will remain on top of the table regardless of the result.
Tala circle defender Clare Iongi said the tournament serves as preparation for the Netball World Cup next year, "the preparations for world cup is going well. I think the connections and bonds as a team, and as time goes, I think this is good thing to have going into the world cup, and just staying fit and healthy."
Meanwhile a strong third-quarter from the Fiji Pearls helped them secure their first-ever win in the event.
The Fiji Pearls defeated Papua New Guinea 67-46 on Wednesday.
The Vaiti Waqatabu-captained side went down to the wire in the first two quarters, with the scores 29-all at half-time.
Fiji was on the money in the third quarter as solid defence caused unforced errors for PNG.
Defenders Alisi Naqiri and Josephine Tabua were impressive in defence, gaining possession for the national side, resting in the hands of Unaisi Rauluni and Maliana Rusivakula who made their chances count.
The Pearls maintained this momentum in the last quarter to record a huge win.
The tournament final is tomorrow.
Cooks overcome Wales in League opener
The Cooks Islands got the better of Wales in their opening game of the Rugby League World Cup, narrowly winning by 18 points to 12.
Wales dominated possession in the first half and lead 12 - 8 at half time before the Cook Islands rallied in the second half, scoring two tries.
Photo: Cook Islands Rugby League
South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Steven Marsters put the Cook Islands ahead in the 64th minute.
Cook Islands head coach Tony Iro called it a hard earned win.
"It was a tough game and it will only get tougher. Papua New Guinea's next on the list. Therir a really physical side, so we look forward to getting into it."
The Cook Islands will take on Papua New Guinea in their next game while Wales play Tonga.
