Samoa hockey

Team Head Coach Peta Teo was pleased with their first day's efforts.

The Women's team had a win and a loss while the men had a loss to Australia Country.

Both teams faced tough draws first up playing against Australia Country.

The Women lost 10--2 while the Men lost 13-1. However, both teams were competitive and learnt a lot from the matches, especially how to utilise the boards to clear from defence. This was very evident when Samoa women played their second game against Pacific neighbours Tonga.

Fiji Hockey Federation president Dr Robin Mitchell said our south sea neighbours opted out because of ground problems at home.

"Samoa has withdrawn, so now we have nine teams taking part instead of eleven," Dr Mitchell said.

"Samoa has problems getting access to their hockey fields because of a national gathering taking place on their hockey field."

The Fiji men's team will contain three members from the gold medallist winning team in last year's Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea.