Bens win Sam Chandrasinghe soccer sevens

By S.M.D.Sirisena

St. Benedict’s College Kotahena showed that they are still masters at football when their Under 17 team led by Nishankara Madusanka beat Rahula College Matara 1-0 in the final of the Sam Chandrasinghe Challenge Trophy seven-a-side Inter-Schools football tournament at the Race Course Grounds yesterday. The contest was organized by the Old Anandians Sports Club (SoccerWing).

In the semi-finals St. Benedict’s beat Royal 3-0 after leading 1-0 at the breather. Skipper Nishankara Madusanka banged in two goals and Buddika Sandaruwan slotted in the other.

Royal created a major upset in the competition when they beat last year’s champions St.Thomas Matara 1-0. In the second semi-final Rahula College Matara beat Ananda ‘B’ 1-0. Royal took the third spot when they overcame Ananda ‘B’ 2-0.

Buddika Sandaruwan, who played at center forward for St. Benedict’s. was adjudged the best player of the contest. Nadeera Kalum of Rahula Matara was chosen the best goal-keeper in this one day competition. The Bens were champions in 2005 as well.The champion St. Benedict’s under 17 team: N.Madusanka, R.Shalinda, S.Hashan, T. Priyankara, P. Tharaka, T. Rangika, B. Sandaruwan, H. Dilshan, A. Tharanga and T.M. Fernando.