Phoenix Cup football final :

Saunders beat Ratnam 3-1

Yasaratne GAMAGE

Saunders SC clinched the 2013 Phoenix Cup after an action packed game of football when they defeated Ratnam SC by 3-1 in the final worked off yesterday at the City Football League grounds. A M M Naleer in the 12th minute scored the first goal for the champions while their second goal was gifted by Ratnam’s, Sanka Danusha as he booted one to their own goal in the 33rd minute. The half time ended with Saunders Leading 2-0. Ratnam scored their first goal in the 59th minute when R Lasantha headed the ball into the opponents net off a superb pass from his skipper Sivanka.

Just in the next minute Samarasekara of Saunders converted a crossed pass from I Udara to make it 3-1. During the final minutes Ratnam fought back with some tremendous passes but they could not boot any goals.

The final was a tough battle between the elite two teams from Colombo. In the very first minute Sanoj Sameer nearly scored a goal. In the 2nd minute E B Channa of Ratnam also had a great chance of scoring but missed.

In overall Saunders played according to a plan and passed the ball with accuracy except for a few hiccups. On the other hand Ratnam did not play well in the first half and seemed disorganized.

After the lemons, Ratnam saw getting momentum with the goal they scored and occupied their opponents goal area for a considerable time. But Saunders’ with a two-goal lead seemed settled and did not make many mistakes.

The final attracted a large number of football fans and the stands went roaring each time players attempted to score. Organized by the City Football League the Phoenix Cup 2013 was a great success and it was seen Chairman, Competition M Premadasa has done a wonderful job.