Java Lane SC beat Kalutara Park SC 3-1 to clinch the CEAT Premier League Division I Trophy last Friday (13) at the City Football Complex, Slave Island, Colombo.

Playing at home, Java Lane posted a well combined forward line to defeat Kalutara Park SC in the final which saw two superb goals being scored within the first 15 minutes of the game.

‘Strike early’ was a good tactic adopted by the winning team coach, Roomy Packeerally, to grab the lead early.

The presence of thousands of home fans boosted the morale of the Java Lane players.

Kalutara Park SC never recovered from the early onslaught in the first half as Annesley Gnanasegaran and Maxie Leighton, captain, found the net in the 9th and 14th minute respectively. Asiri Lamahewa played a pivotal role in setting up the goals.

The acrobatic performance of Sujan Perera, goalkeeper, saved two certain goals and proved his class in goal keeping.

In the second half, Kalutara Park SC rallied together to score their first goal in the 3rd minute off the boot of their star striker, Malinga Silva. They gained confidence after their first goal and went on attacking on several instances, but failed to score again due to lack of direction.

In the end, M. Razeek’s free kick found the net to seal the victory for Java Lane with 3 goals to 1.

Kalutara Park SC beat fancied Kandy York SC in a close encounter by 1 goal to nil in the first semi-final, to qualify for final while Java Lane SC, who beat Pelicans SC in a hard fought match 1-0 in the second semi-final, at Kurunegala also earned a berth in the final.

Twelve teams gained qualifying standards to enter the League and a total of 63 matches were played. During the course of the tournament, 212 yellow cards and 15 red cards were shown.

In the final, the wet weather conditions made players and the officials sustain injuries constantly. While refereeing, the officials too had to be replaced.

Asiri Lamahewa of Java Lane was adjudged the CEAT Most Valuable Player of the Final. 

The CEAT Premier Champions, Java Lane SC received a cash award of Rs. 300,000 and the prestigious CEAT trophy from Randeep Narang MD/CEO of CEAT, Kelani Associated Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. Trevor Reckerman, Advisor-FFSL and H. Silveira, President FFSL, also graced the occasion.