Old Bens Veterans defeated Kegalle Veterans 4-0 in the final of the 8th Annual Veterans Soccer Tournament, winning the Thilak Peiris Challenge Trophy for the third successive year at Cooray Park.
The tournament was organized by the Sri Lanka Soccer Masters Association (SLSMA).
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Though Kegalle Veterans were more fancied side, they were very unlucky not to score goals missing nearly five chances. On the other hand, Old Bens Veterans grabbed the opportunities that came their way and scored without much trouble.
They scored 2 goals within 5 minutes through A.B. Nathar during the first half which surprised the the side from Kegalle.
In the 32nd minute unmarked Nathar headed in off a fine high cross by Roshan Ramees from the left flank. The second goal came in five minutes time as Nathar slotted in after receiving a short pass from Sisira Perera.
After the turn around Kegalle Veterans dominated the game for about 12 minutes but they could not find the net due to stubborn defence from the Old Bens Veterans and some fine saves by the goalkeeper Johnson.
However, in the 54th minute Old Bens Veterans scored their third goal when S. Balendran headed in off a cross from Nishantha Fernando. Twelve minutes later Sampath Perera slotted the fourth goal getting the assistance from Balendran.
Old Bens Veterans Skipper T. Johnson won the Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper and his team mate A.B. Nathar won the Golden Boot award for the best player. Both won a cash prize of Rs. 10.000/- each.
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The champion team Old Bens Veterans were awarded the Thilak Peries Challenge Trophy plus medals and a cash prize of Rs. 100,000/- while the runner up Kegalle Veterans received a trophy, medals and a cash prize of Rs. 50,000/-
Former Sri Lanka goalkeeper and President of Jupiter SC, Bernard Silva graced the occasion and gave away the prizes along with the founder President Thilak Peiris of Sri Lanka Masters Soccer Association who was also the sponsor of the tournament.
