Police clinch peace trophy

M. Farook Lantra

The Police Sports Club clinched the Peace Challenge Trophy in a nail biting soccer match against Army Sports Club winning by two goals to one played at Mannar Stadium in front of a capacity crowd on October 3 (Saturday)

This match was played after 30 years in Mannar for the benefit of the peace loving public in Mannar.

The Police drew first blood during the 12th minute when they scored a goal through forward P.D. Pathirana who netted the goal following a neat pass. During the 31st minute of play Army's Forward Lasnatha Kumara booted a goal into the Police's net. During half time the score was one all. After the turn around Police's winning goal was scored by P.D. Pathirana during the 29th minute. Excellent defending and passes was witnessed during the full time played by Army and Police who gave their best. The results was Police two goals and Army one.

The Police Sports Club was led by S.M. Rafi while the Army Sports Club was led by S.D. Kanna. The man of the match was Police's Forward P.D. Pathirana who had a grand game scoring two superb goals.

This exhibition Soccer match was organized by the Mannar Police for the first time. It was initiated by the Senior Supdt. of Police Jayantha Wickramasinghe and Asst. Supdt. of Police Mannar Laziran Assen with the assistance of Anton Thewasagayam (Secretary Mannar Football League).

The chief guest was Rt. Rev. Dr. Rayappu Joseph Bishop of Mannar.

Also present were: DIG Mannar Cecil Perera, Secretary/Police Football SSP Sunil Perera, Director of Education Mannar, Abel ravel, Brigade Commander Col. Vikum Liyanage, Principal St. Xavier's College Mannar, Bro. Stanislaus, President of Mannar Traders Association Christopher, Mannar TC Sports Officer S. Vijayakumar and President Mannar Football League Anton Figurado, who graced the occation. The final was officiated by P. Gnanarajah.