Old Mazenodians soccer final today

The 12th Annual Invitation Schools Soccer Championship played for the Don Paul Henry Patrick Memorial Trophy will come to close today with the final between Holy Cross College, Kalutara and St Xavier's kick off at 4.00pm at De Mazenod College ground.

The championship is organized by the Old Mazenodians Sports Club. This year's championship is sponsored by Old Mazenodians who are domiciled in North America. The sponsorship party is led by former Mazenodian and National soccer player Terry Kuruppu who will travel down for the occasion and will be the chief guest.

Holy Cross College, Kalutara defeated De Mazenod College in the preliminary round game one goal to nil and went on to beat soccer giants St Benedict's College in the quarter final in a tie breaker 5-4 after a one all draw. They had to overcome the much fancied Hameed Al Husseini College in the semi final also in a tie breaker 5-4 when the game ended in a goalless draw.

Meanwhile, St Xavier's College, Mannar had little bit of luck to have a bye in the first round and in the quarters got the better of Lumbini MV five goals to nil and went on to overcome Zahira College, Colombo in a another thriller (tie breaker) 6-5 when the normal time score stood at level terms 1-1. With both sides gone through hard times to enter final shows that all teams were equally balanced and the final too is expected to be a fine game with good soccer expected from both schools.

The organizers have arranged an under 17 exhibition game between St Benedict's College and De Mazenod College, Kandana to be played prior to the final (2.30pm).