The Vanuatu rugby league team has retained bragging rights over Solomon Islands after a 40-20 victory in Honiara at the weekend.
In the third test between Melanesian rivals, Vanuatu raced to a 20-8 lead at half-time before the home side fought their way back into the contest to ensure a close finish.
Saturday's test was the first to be played in Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu team manager and board member Ben Howard said they were definitely made to work for their victory.
"The game was in the balance, we were only up by ten, and all the momentum was with them and we were lucky enough to take an intercept try and run 90 metres, which sort of turned the momentum of the game," he said.
"But yeah it was definitely in the balance in that second half, with Solomons in the crowd behind them they definitely lifted.
"We felt we were pretty dominant in it but yeah Solomons were definitely in the game right up until the very end."
Photo by Vanuatu Rugby League. Caption: Vanuatu made it three straight wins against Solomon Islands.