St. Benedict’s College emerged undisputed champions at the All Island Schools Under-19 Soccer Championships, conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association and sponsored by Nestle Lanka Ltd., when they defeated the strong Zahira College team by two goals to nil.

The game was played at a furious pace, with Zahira College pressing relentlessly for about 20 minutes and it was the acrobatic goal keeping of the Ben’s goalkeeper, Rumesh Shalinda who effected three brilliant saves that prevented Zahira College from scoring. However, after this early onslaught by Zahira College, the Bens gradually asserted themselves and went on the offensive and were rewarded with a brilliant goal from about 30 yards by star striker Nisankara Madushanka, who beat the Zahira goal keeper all ends up.

The score stood at 1-0 at half time.

The second half was completely dominated by the Bens with Zahira College on the defensive and with about 10 minutes before full time, the Bens scored their second goal when Harshana Dilshan broke through from about 30 yards and deftly slotted the ball into the net, beating the advancing Zahira college goal keeper.

This goal completely demoralized the Zahirians and they were forced to defend for the rest of the game as the Bens tried to increase their tally. Benedictine defenders Susitha Priyankara and Buddhika Sandaruwan who had an outstanding game, easily thwarted attempts by Zahira College to score. The fine teamwork of the Bens who saved their best performance of the season for the finals ensured victory by 2 goals to nil to deservedly win the glittering Milo Trophy.