Table leaders hold onto top slots

Bernard PERERA

SOCCER: As expected Saunders SC and Negombo Youth SC maintained their top slot when they win over Old Bens and Air Force respectively. Negombo team defeated Sri Lanka Air Force and goal to nil while Saunders overcame Old Bens also with the same margin.

Meanwhile Ratnam SC the defending champions of the KIT Premier League who are lying third failed to move up a step though they recorded a convincing 4-1 win over Sri Lanka Army. Second placed Jupiters in the same group drew their game with Kandy York SC at Bogambara Stadium with a blank score sheet.

In segment A-II leaders Saunders maintains it position on top while Blue Star SC who were making every effort to push newcomers down from second slot failed in their attempt losing two goals to one to New Youngs SC from Wennappuwa.

With this weekends results it is very clear that the leader at present on both groups could go ahead for a further week. At the same time the third placed teams in both segments A-I and A-II Ratnam SC and Blue Star SC are losing their grip in finding positions in the semi-finals.

Saunders SC and Negombo Youth are working hard to stick to their top positions to make sure of semi-final berths. Saunders who were lowly placed last season has done well this season to reach the top while last years second runners-up Negombo Youth too have made a strong come back.

It was the good work done by Negombo Youth young talent that replaced the stalwarts that left them this season. Ratnam SC who recruited these stalwart with intention of holding onto the title for a another term could not come out with their expectations. So far, Ratnam will have to put everything in order if they are to be in contention of the title.

Negombo Youth on the other side will have to have good check with home town rivals Jupiters SC who too have made great strides this season to ahead of the title holders.

Results

Ratnam SC beat Sri Lanka Army 4-1

Negombo Youth SC beat Air Force 1-0

Kandy York SC drew with Jupiters SC 0-0

Renown SC beat SL Police 3-1

New Youngs SC beat Blue Star SC 2-1

Saunders SC beat Old Bens SC 1-0

Maligawatta Youth SC beat Red Sun SC 1-0