Saunders edge out Ratnam

Bernard Perera

Saunders Sports Club defeated the high riding Ratnam SC from Kotahena one goal to nil in their Dialog Champions leagues round two match yesterday at City Football League grounds.

At half time the score sheet was blank.

The game which got off to a flying start with Ratnam as favourites to win. But the things did not work for the Kotahena team as the Saunders SC fought gallantly to halt the Ratnam strikers headed by E. B. Channa. In the first session both teams missed many scoring opportunities.

The mid fielders and the defence lines of both teams performed well on this day. But the strikers failed to deliver the goods for their respective clubs.

The second half too was keenly contested and it took over twenty minutes to break the deadlock. The Sunders SC were awarded a free kick just a few metres away from the danger zone. The goalie fumbled with the ball and Kaushalya de Silva took the advantage to push the ball to the net to score the goal for the Pettah Club. Ratnam SC made every effort to penetrate the Saunders defence, which they did, but could not find the right target.

Spectators especially the supporters of both teams should cheer their teams. But it has become a common occurrence to hear filth used on referees whenever they blow the whistle for rough play.

If this continues the referees may not come forward to officiate in these games which will be a bad blow for the sport as well as for the organizers.

N. Robesh refereed.

Don Bosco beaten

Meanwhile on Saturday Don Bosco Sports Club the leaders in group ‘B’ of the Dialog Champions League suffered their second defeat this season when they were beaten by Blue Star SC two goals to one.

This victory put the Kalutara team to the second spot as the second placed New Youngs SC too suffered a defeat on the same day.

These three teams separation is only by a single point and anything could happen in with few more matches left for play. New Youngs SC lost the game against Police SC two goals to nil at Wennappuwa.With this win the Police managed to take a step forward in the points table.

Satuday’s results: Old Bens SC drew with Jupiters SC 1-1, Police SC beat New Youngs 2–0, Blue Star SC beat Don Bosco SC 2-1.