Negombo Youth SC takes local soccer plum

By Bernard Perera

Negombo Youth Sports Club after completing schedule of matches in the Kit Premier League Soccer Championship had a clear lead of seven points to go away with the title for the year 2005.

On their way to clinch the trophy they recorded (14) fourteen victories while drawing two and losing two games. NYSC which boasts of seven national caps gave away only 14 goals while scoring 44 goals in their favour. Dudley Steinwal the national skipper led the side to victory this season with the support coming from his colleagues in a big way.

NYSC's two loses came in the first round when they lost to home town rivals Jupiters Sports Club and Blue Star Sports Club from Kalutara. Their draws were in the first leg with Police SC and with Ratnam SC in the second leg. In the early stage NYSC were placed fourth but their hard work paid off well in the middle of the championship.

Just before the last five games they took an unbeatable lead over second placed Ratnam SC from Kotahena.

Saunders Sports Club who were lying just above bottom placed Java Lane Sports Club during the first leg did well to push themselves upwards in the second stage and finished at the sixth slot with one more game left to be played. Saunders downfall came with many seniors moving to other clubs prior to the commencement of the championship.

According to present standings Java Lane SC and Jupiters SC are sure to move down to Segment B making way for Segment B leaders Navy SC and Kandy York SC to reach the top section for the 2006 championship.

Meanwhile Victory SC which was at the bottom of the table last year failed to be on top even in Segment B. They collected only 8 points from thirteen games.

Segment B leaders Navy SC had total of 31 points from their allocated 14 games. They collected their 31 points from nine victories and four draws, while losing one game.Red Sun SC, Gampola and Super Beach SC from Kalutara the debutants to the Premier League maintained their standard by staying among other teams.

Gampola team took the fourth slot while Super Beach were placed at seventh place above Victory SC. With the Kit Premier League almost at it send the first two teams Negombo Youth SC and Ratnam SC are assured their place to play the champion of champions tourney along with Navy SC from Segment B. The fourth team from Segment hotly contested by Police SC and Air Force SC. Police SC who has collected 25 points and have a another game in hand.

Air Force with more game left has a total of 24 points. If the Airmen win these two games they are sure to get pass the Policemen to occupy the third slot and qualify to play in the champions of champions trophy tourney.