Asela Madushan produced an imperious performance as his hat-trick helped St.Joseph’s College, thwart a late St.Benedict’s College charge, to a crushing 6-2 win in the opening match of the 2017 U18 Division I Schools’ Football Championship played at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
With the win the Josephians retained the Rev. Fr. Peter A. Pillai Trophy, which was revived after a lapse of 21 years.
The tale Rev Fr Peter A Pillai Trophy
Top football fan fare is on the cards when St.Joseph’s College meet St.Benedict’s College…
St.Joseph’s College started off their championship defense in emphatic fashion scoring twice inside the first ten minutes through G.C.Pramantha and Chamath Rashmitha. Joes squandered a few chances and Bens goalkeeper Sharon Brightson made two brilliant saves amidst the constant threat of Madushan.
It took around 20 minutes for St.Benedict’s College to settle down into the game and build attacks of their own and getting compact in defense to ward off the nippy Madushan. As half time, neared frustration crept into the Josephian play as they gave away a few free-kicks which were not taken advantage of.
Half time : St.Joseph’s College 2 – 0 St.Benedict’s College
St.Benedict’s College built on the momentum they had late in the 1st half creating two golden chances but poor finishing denied them of getting a goal back. Asela Madushan made St.Benedict’s College pay for their lack of finishing with a wonderful solo goal leaving 4-5 defenders in his wake.
Joes v Bens to kick-off U18 Division I Championship
The 2017 U18 Division I Schools’ Football Championship organized by the Sri Lanka Schools..
The game looked beyond the reach of St.Benedict’s before they woke up to score twice through Sherwin Fernando and Shenal Kavinda around the hour mark. St.Joseph’s College was suddenly under pressure with the likes of Asela Madushan dropping back into midfield to strengthen the defense. Bens kept on hammering at the Jose defense for around 12 minutes but were unable to find an equalizer.
With St.Benedict’s pressing for an equalizer, it left gaps at the back which allowed Pramantha to score his 2nd and give the Darley Road boys some breathing space. That goal took the wind out of the Bens sails as Madushan scored twice in the last few minutes past a dejected defense.
Full time – St.Joseph’s College 6 – 2 St.Benedict’s College
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Asela Madushan (St.Joseph’s College)
Goal Scorers
St.Joseph’s College – G.C.Pramantha 5’ & 73’, Chamath Rashmitha 8’, Asela Madushan 49’, 76’ & 80+2’
St.Benedict’s College – Sherwin Fernando 60’, Shenal Kavinda 63’Bookings
Yellow Cards
St.Joseph’s College – G.C.Pramantha 36’, Jason Fernando 73’, Asela Madushan 76’
St.Benedict’s College – Brayon Fernando 26’
