Renown and Java Lane in finals

YASARATNE GAMAGE

Renown SC entered the finals of Gold Cup 2013 soccer tournament beating much fancied Saunders SC in the second semi-final after an exciting penalty shoot out that ended 8 - 7 at CR & FC grounds on Sunday.

So it will be a tough battle for Renown S.C who will meet the reigning champions Java Lane SC in the final to be played on April 28 at 4:00 pm at CR & FC grounds. Newly elected President, FFSL, Ranjith Rodrigo will be the chief guest.

Renown SC dominated the game in the first half and scored their first goal in the 45th minute off the boot of striker Mohamed Fazal, who received a lovely pass from midfielder M.Fazal. The score was 1-0 for Renowns at lemons.

Saunders SC played hard and dominated the entire second half with many penetrative moves from their wings.

It paid divident in the 70th minute of the match when midfielder and ex national player Izuru Perera made a good pass to M.Sameera who in turn beat the custodian Sathish with a lovely floater to make 1-1.

Renown SC could not hold to the attacking movements made by Saunders SC, and conceded their second goal in the 85th minute of the match.

The sitter missed by Renown Striker, M.Fazal in 84th minute was collected by Saunders SC custodian who made a long kick to the striker, E,C.Eranga, National Player,collected well and beat the on rushing goal keeper and slotted the ball to make 2-1 for Saunders.

In the dying stages of the match Renown SC started their normal short passes and in the 92nd minuted M.Fazal who received the ball from the other striker scored beating the goal keeper all ends up.

The score remained 2-2 at the final whistle.

Tie breaker penalty was imposed and Renown beat Saunders 8- 7

Referee: M.Basnayake.

Total number of teams that participated were 16 and 15 matches were played. Prior to the Gold Cup 2013 finals the Silver Cup 2013 will be played at the same venue at 2:30 pm

Moragasmulla SC will battle it out with Colpetty United SC