Army carries away all-island football championship after 42 years

Monday, 11 July 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Army Football Club after 42 years recorded a resounding 2-0 victory against Don Bosco team during the final all-island championship tournament Saturday (9) evening at Colombo City football ground, organized by Sri Lanka Football Association for the Holcim FA Trophy.

Sri Lanka Army’s victory in the all-island football championship came about after an absence of 42 years after the Army Sappers Team carried the championship in the year 1969.

This year’s tournament was fought by 115 island-wide football clubs and different leagues in 114 Matches, held across the country.

Saturday’s final tussle generated a new wave of interest and enthusiasm among football fans across the country as Sri Lanka Army’s football team took this year’s challenge with commitment and determination. Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army was on hand to witness the exciting final encounter and congratulate the Army winners at the end of the match.

From the first half of the match the Army team began offering a good resistance to the rivals and finally secured 2-0 win. A large gathering of football fans and sport enthusiasts were in attendance throughout the match.

Sri Lanka Football Association commenced this all-island championship tournament in 1949. Saunders Football Club and Ratnam Football Club were among the most leading contenders who won the championship for the longest periods of time in the past.