Old Bens win as Wallace strikes twice
The winning moment for Old Bens
The seasoned footballers of Old Bens Sports Club once again proved that they are the masters of Veterans Over-40 football when they defended the Thilak Peiris Challenge Trophy beating Kurunegala Veterans by 3 goals to nil in the final played at St. Benedict’s College grounds last weekend. This is third instance that Old Bens have won this trophy following their wins in 2010 under the captaincy of Athula Perera and again in 2014 under the leadership of Sisira Perera.
Nearly 1000 spectators, mostly elders who were former soccerites and even some ladies, witnessed the wonderful game by cheering their respective sides. The crowd who turned in numbers is comparatively high than at a top game in an average Champions League or a FA Cup match.
The victorious Old Bens FC with the Veterans’ Cup
The game got off to a good start and veterans from both sides recollected their youthful talent by producing some entertaining football. Some of them even matched the youngsters who play at present at club football or rugby tournaments. Their calculated passes, attacking football and above all, their sportiness were example for the present youngsters.
Both teams failed to find the net in the first half as the defenders and goalkeepers did spoil the attempts of the forwards of their opposing forwards. However in the second half Old Bens showed their class by sending long passes and the two forwards Romesh Wallace, who struck twice, and skipper Donald Fernando’s single goal, helped them score three quick goals during the last 15 minutes to seal the victory.
Romesh Wallace of Old Bens was awarded the most valuable player and his teammate T. Johnson got the best goalkeepers award. The Over-40 Football Tournament was organised by Sri Lanka Masters Football Association for the seventh successive year with the participation of over 40 clubs from all parts of Sri Lanka.