1999 Oceania Championship

The 1999 Oceania Championship was the first Oceania Championship. It featured  Guam vs.  American Samoa. American Samoa won the opener, 3-2, and game 2, 11-6. Guam then rallied to takes 3 through 5 by scores of 15-11, 5-4 and 9-2 respectively to earn a spot against  South Africa in a qualifier for the 2000 Olympics.

Past or future pros for American Samoa included Stanley Filiaga, Ted Gebauer, Mathis Huff, Robert Pene, Charles Talanoa and Scott Talanoa. Other players included Justin Su'a, Charles Solaita, Francis Aiono, Stephen Tuimalealiifano, Sao Sili, Simi Taulua, Anthony Anetema, Chris Solaita, James Alo, Tau Hunkin, George Malauulu, Ronald Peau and Leopeni Solaita. They were managed by Ben Solaita. Murphy Su’a was a coach, as was Hank Burbridge.

Despite winning, Guam only had one player with US professional experience, Keith Hattig. Rob Derksen was their skipper. Guam RHP Barry Nauta was the tournament MVP. Other players were Vincent Gumataotao, Dwayne Haun, Paul Carbullido, Shaun Pascua, Kin Fernandez, Thomas Morrison, Daryl Haun, Michael Cabrera, Raymond Aguon, Henry Santos III, Tony Doyle, Joseph Tuquero, Steven DeSoto, Benjie Pangelinan, Jim Reyes, Dale Alvarez, Roman Duenas and Rico Castro. Coaches were Pedro Villagomez and Ryan Flynn.

Source: Sportingpulse