Negombo YSC - Ratnam in vital game

Bernard Perera

SOCCER: Negombo Youth Sports Club the table leaders in Segment A-1 will clash with Ratnam Sports Club the second placed team in the same group. Ratnam team face this game as defending champs need to win it if they are to reach the top to oust the leaders.

Negombo lads are with a lead of two points over their rivals will have to flat out to make a match of it. Last season they failed to overcome the Ratnam team in both rounds which caused the downfall of the team. Last season the Negombo team was packed with many national players inclusive of the captain Dudley Steinwal.

Dudley, E. B. Channa have this year changed clubs and joined Ratnam SC. Meanwhile the other national Cup G. P. C. Karunaratne too have quit the game. These three players were instrumental in winning the KIT Premier League title for Negombo Youth SC.

It will be a tough battle for the Negombo team as it is packed with new set of players this season. Still they have done well to maintain consistency and are occupying the top spot. It will definitely be a good game to watch to find out how the new comers will play against a strong outfit from Ratnam SC.

Ratnam SC which won the league title last season with the help of Kasun Jayasuriya and Chathura Maduranga combination get more strength added to them with joining of Steinwal and Channa. This foursome will pose a big threat to the Negombo team today.

A win here for Ratnam will put them on top while a win for the Negombo team will definitely add more points for the visitors to take a firm grip of their top position. Considering these facts it is sure that a top class football encounter will be on the card for soccer fans who gather at the stadium today. The kick off is scheduled for 5.30 p.m.

Meanwhile the Police-Renown game which was scheduled to be played tomorrow at Police Park have brought forward for today due to unavoidable circumstances. This match will be played at Sugathadasa Stadium commencing at 3.30 p.m.

Victory for Renown SC in this game will put them one step up in the table, but if Police come out as victors Police will not get the opportunity to change places in the points table.