Ratnam in peak form wins Phoenix Cup

by Leslie FERNANDO

FOOTBALL: Ratnam SC lifted the Phoenix Cup with a 2-nil victory over Blue Star SC, Kalutara in the final of the City Football Club organised invitation championship played at the City League grounds yesterday. The championships was sponsored by Phoenix Industries.

The match was vital for both sides with Ratnam SC playing in white, Blue Star SC in their usual attire and the clash as expected did not produce any sparkle as both teams played a cautious game from the outset.

However at certain stages Blue Star put up a spirited display.

During the first half both goal keepers S.D. Thilakaratne (Ratnam SC) and Kumara Fernando (Blue Star SC) were not tested.

In the last 15 minutes of the first half Blue Star SC attacked vehemently and had three scoring opportunities to surge ahead. Firstly striker M.R.M. Fauzan tried his best to create a goal outside the box but was not successful. Then his brother M. Farzeen's powerful drive from a free kick flew just over the woodwork. Again M. Farzeen who played a smart game threw himself to head in but the ball just went out of the left side of the goalpost. It was sheer bad luck for Blue Star SC.

The game proceeded nil-all at half time.

It was different Ratnam SC that took the field in the second half. They combined effectively to outplay their opponents. Former National Player Kasun Jayasuriya failed twice to hit the net. Finally in the 7th minute Ratnam SC scored the opener when E.B. Channa was fouled by a Blue Star defender inside box and the referee awarded a penalty. Channa himself took the spot kick correctly to give Ratnam SC the lead. Immediately after the opener E.B. Channa header failed to creep into the net.

Kasun Jayasuriya was the main culprit when he wasted yet another a goal a sitter, with only goalkeeper to beat.

Blue Star SC strived hard for the equaliser with their strikers making inroads towards the goal area. Their shots either went out or very well saved by the goalkeeper Thilakaratne. In the dying minutes of the game Ratnam SC scored the second with Kasun Jayasuriya making amends. Kasun after collecting a pass from Nishantha Abeysekera found the net to seal victory for Ratnam SC 2-0.

Aslam Omar, Chairman Phoenix Industries was the chief guest while Manilal Fernando, Vice President AFC and Chairman Management Committee of FFSL was the guest of honour.

Referee G.N. Rubesh.