Gateway retains Neville De Alwis - Ralph Alles Challenge Trophy

Gateway College proved its supremacy by winning the 4th Annual Football encounter played against S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia 3-2 and retaining the Neville De Alwis-Ralph Alles Challenge Trophy at the Racecourse Grounds Colombo.

Both teams walked on to the field with sheer determination but what was witnessed throughout the closely contested game was great sportsmanship. At the 6th minute, Mahith Perera of S. Thomas’ scored the very first goal and put the Thomians on the driving seat and the Gateway boys were under pressure right from that point onwards. However, half an hour later, at the 36th minute Umar Shakhil equaled the game for Gateway. This eased the pressure during the breather.

The gritty and athletic Thomians took the lead once again in the 73rd minute when A.D. Ellawala’s effort at the goal was successful as he netted the ball calmly. Minutes later Gateway was awarded a penalty and their Captain Samunu Kaggodaarachchi made sure that he did not miss the golden opportunity. This being the turning point, Gateway with sheer zeal, fought back into the game. Finally, Umar Shakhil produced the perfect comeback to clinch the game and retain the title.

Gateway’s young goalkeeper Anukh Dassanyake received the ‘The Best Goalkeeper’ award and Gateway’s skipper and junior national cap Samunu Kaggodaarachchi won ‘The Most Valuable Player’ award for his outstanding performance. The very athletic Mahith Perera of S.Thomas’ won the ‘Golden Boot’ award.

Gateway College also won the Under 14 and 16 games. S. Thomas’ won the Alumni game. The Chief Guest Erandajith Ranasinghe awarded the challenge trophy and the special awards.