Choiseul Bay Provincial Secondary School (PSS) nearly caused an upset in their opening netball match at the 2025 Solomon Islands Secondary School Games (SISSG25), narrowly losing 11-10 to defending champions Panatina CHS, Monday.
The Choiseul Bay team arrived in Honiara late Sunday night after a challenging sea journey that delayed their travel and forced them to miss the Games’ opening ceremony.
Despite having only a few hours of rest, they put up a strong fight and led for most of the match before falling short in the final quarter.
Coach Dimymar Kimata praised her players for their effort and resilience under difficult circumstances.
“We arrived around 8pm Sunday night. The rough seas delayed us, but we are happy to make it and take part in the Games,” she said.
Kimata added that fatigue played a role in the narrow loss. “We were leading in the first three quarters, but the girls were tired and couldn’t hold on in the final quarter.”
She also highlighted that for most of the players, it was their first time competing in a major event and playing on a high-class netball court, which she believes will be a valuable learning experience.
Kimata called on families and supporters from Choiseul Province to come out and support the team in their remaining matches.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
