Bens win Schools Division I title

Bernard Perera

St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena came up with fine display of football to beat the defending champions of the Milo Trophy Zahira College, Colombo two goals to nil at CR and FC ground yesterday in front of a very appreciative crowd. Bens were leading at the half way mark 1-0.

The game was keenly contested by both teams for nearly 20 minutes and the Ben got to the lead with Nishankara Madushanka netting in the goal from fine kick taken 25 metres away from the goal. Zahirian played fine game with many good moves to penetrate the defence line several times and also attacked the goal to find the equaliser. The main cause for failure here was the brilliant performance displayed by Bens’ goal keeper Rumesh Shalinda. Though he is pint sized, his services between the posts was a performance that brings credit not only for him but also the coach who trained him to so efficient.

Though Zahirians lost the final, they too fought a gallant battle until the last minute to thrill the spectators spell bound throughout the game. Zahirian skipper cum goal keeper too had a good day saving same good kicks taken by the Bens’ strikers - M. Rilwan Saleem, M. H. Abdul Aziz, M. Inthikaf and M. Aslam put everything they had in store to fight all the way.

Harshana Dilshan in the 67th minute netted in the goal for the Kotahena team, which was also the only goal to come during the second half. Pasindu Tharaka and Tito Malshan did a marvellous job for the Bens team.

Referee F. M. Irshard had shown the warning signal on seven occasions.

The third place match too was played prior to the final at the same venue between Hameed Al Husseini and St. Thomas College, Matara. Thomians won the match on a tie breaker when the game ended in a draw with scores on level terms 1-1.

Senior Vice President Nestle Lanka Ltd Mohamed Hamza was the chief guest and gave away the main award. President of the Schools Football Association Rev. Bro. Granville Perera, Football Federation President Hurley Silveira and Nestle Lanka Ltd’s External Affairs Manager Bandula Egodage were the guests of honour at the final.