Deamantha helps STC Matara to retain Ruhunu Masters Trophy
St. Thomas' College Matara football team 2016 Front row (from left) – Shamindu Eesara (Captain), Jagth Mathangadeera (Prefect of Games), W B Piyathissa (Principal), Manoj Mathangadeera (Master in Charge), M G Kumara (Coach), Sasindu Ranganth (Vice Captain) Middle row (from left) - Dilsahn Tharuka, R T L Deemantha, M Sahan, M G Kavishka, Sahan Sathsara, Lashan Ashintha, Hasundu Dilshan, D W Oshadee Vimukthi, Shashuka Kavishan, Ishan Didulantha, L Pasindu Shalitha, Rashmika Heshan, Back row (from left) - Udith Dilina, Nirmal Charuka, M Sarjan, Chandula Visalka, Kaveesha Deneth, Ahamed Safvan, Abdul Razak, M K Himal Sithara, Tharushan Kavinda, R K Sellahewa, K P H Yapa
R.T.L. Deemantha scored in the 4th stage of the penalty shootout of the 15th Golden Ensign Football encounter to ensure that St. Thomas’ College Matara retain the Ruhunu Masters Trophy at the German – Sri Lanka Friendship Football Grounds at Uyanwatta on Friday night. With this win STC lead the series with eight wins to Rahula’s seven and have an opportunity to keep the Ruhunu Masters Trophy for ever if they win next year.
Both teams played well to see end the game with one goal each. R.K. Sellahewa scored for STC in the 35th minute and STC led 1-0 at half time. Rahula skipper K D Salindu Santana took the Thomians by surprise as he equaled just as the second half commenced. Both teams missed many opportunities to score and credit should go to both goal keepers.
In the penalty shoot-out both teams were two all at the end of the first stage, three all in the second stage, three all in the third stage as Rajiv Methsara (Rahula) and Oshanda Vimukthi (STC) were unable to score. The game was decided in the 4th stage of penalty shootouts when Deemantha scored for STC to lead 4 goals to three and Rahula could not equal.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Rtd) Premathilake Hettiarachchi who was instrumental in initiating the series in 2002 was the chief guest and presented the Ruhunu Masters Trophy to the winners.