Ran Pandu Soccer Champion ships:

Renown entersfinal in style

BY BERNARD Perera

RENOWN SC from Kotahena the reigning FA Cup champions proved that they are in peak form beating Negombo Youth SC by one goal to nil to book their place in the final of the Ran Pandu Soccer Championship. This first semi final was played under lights yesterday at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

Though it was first class battle the soccer displayed by both teams were not upto expectations.

Negombo Youth entered the fray as hot favourites with almost fifty per cent of team with national players Renown SC who knew their opponents strength put out everything in store to keep Negombo Youth at bay. This was highly successful and the first half ended in a scoreless draw.

Soon after the turn around luck turned towards Renown way in just three minutes when referee Priyanga Pieris offered a penalty.

The offender being the defender Dudley Steinwall. Chryshantha Abeysekera made no mistake with the kick and put his side in front 1-0.

The battle continued with Negombo trying to find the equaliser. The opportunities they had went astray when the strikers failed to find the net. On the other hand Renown strikers had many as three good shots at goal but custodian S. D. Tillekeratne thwarted all these efforts making fine saves to thrill the spectators.

If not for these saves the scoreline would have been much more in favour of the Kotahena Club.

Today Saunders SC will meet Java Lane SC in the second semi final at the same venue.

The winners of today's game is scheduled to meet Renown SC on Sunday at 4.00 p.m. at Sugathadasa Stadium.