Jupiters SC stun Negombo YSC, Airmen-Ratnam drawn

Bernard PERERA

SOCCER: Jupiters Sports Club, Negombo came up with a fabulous display of soccer to out play their home town rivals Negombo Sports Club one goal to nil on Saturday. This was the first game of the Kit Premier League 2007 which was played at Don Bosco ground Negombo.

Negombo Youth Sports Club which won the FA Cup few weeks ago entered the field as firm favourites for the game. NYSC minus all their star players who have moved to other clubs for the new season had to come to the field with only one senior player Mohamed Azmeer. M.M.M. Nowshad the regular goal keeper too was absent for their opening game.

Jupiters Sports Club taking the advantage of their rivals went on the attack from word go and was successful in their attempt, they got to the lead in the 10th minute of the game through the goal scored by Braijan Weerappuli. They held onto this for rest of the game to go out as worthy winners.

Ratnams in a draw

The defending champions of the Kit Premier League 2006 failed to live upto expectations on Saturday when they drew with Air Force in their opening match of the Kit Premier League 2007. Ratnam SC from Kotahena were the pre match favourites in this game. They had to fight through the game as Airmen posed a big threat to the champions.

E.B. Channa playing for the Colombo club this season moving from Negombo put his side in front. This too came after a blank score card at the half way mark. Channa’s goal was scored eight minutes into the second session.

Airmen who did not want to give away the game fought back gallantly until they found the equaliser in the 77th minute. Both teams failed to add anything to their scores during balance time period.