Vital game today for Saunders - Ratnam

Bernard PERERA

The Dialog Champions League enters its second week with few top ranked teams battling it out to take a firm grip from the first round. In group A Renown SC who stunned the Ratnam SC team by holding them to a one all draw at Slave Island last week confront strong Air Force team today at the same venue.

Airmen who thrashed their opponents Jupiters SC six goals to nil come out as favourites in this game if they continue with the same form. Renown SC in the meantime is expected to put up a good show during this game which will be the best game today.

Meanwhile the two teams that lost their two opening games Old Bens SC and Jupiters SC clash at Kelaniya. Here Old Bens have a slight edge over their rivals and a win here could put them a step forward.

The third game for the day at Police Park between New Youngs SC from Wennappuwa take on the Policemen. Both teams recorded good wins and a fine competition is expected. New Youngs SC is a very youthful team with two Nigerians doing services for them. Their guidance has helped the young ones to combine well. This resulted in a very effective manner last week when they outplayed the strong outfit Negombo Youth SC 1-0.

Meanwhile Don Bosco SC who jolted the defending champs Sri Lanka Army will take on the Blue Star SC from Kalutara. Don Bosco travel to Kalutara with lot of confidence after their win and they came out here as visitors and will have to adjust themselves quickly if they are to maintain their form. Blue Stars on the other side try to put everything in store make a win here.

On Sunday the crowds will witness the old rivals Saunders SC and Ratnam SC clash for the first time this season. Both teams last week maintained their class to a certain extent with Saunders winning and Ratnam settling for a draw. A win here for Saunders will see them take top spot while Ratnams will drop down.

Negombo Youth SC will confront the defending Champions Sri Lanka Army at FFSL ground Kelaniya. Soldiers will have to make sure that they win this game to hold on to their reputation as champs hoping to march forward.

This weekend matches

Saturday - Group A

Air Force SC Vs Renown SC at City Football League Ground.

Jupiters SC Vs Old Bens SC at FFSL Ground Kelaniya.

Group B - Police SC Vs New Youngs SC At Police Park.

Blue Star SC Vs Don Bosco SC at Kalutara.

Sunday - Group A - Saunders SC Vs Ratnam SC at City Football League ground.

Negombo Youth SC Vs SL Army at Kelaniya - Group B