Inspired by the combined brilliance of striker Shrikant V., Heekmat Singh (both marquee players) and Karim Shaikh, Hirai Suns FC went on to quell a strong challenge from Flash FC and to record a 3-1win in the final and emerge champions of the 2nd Colaba Sports League, which was played under floodlights at the Cooperage ground. All four goals were scored in the second half.
In a keenly contested final, Shaikh played the perfect role of a provider and was instrumental in setting up Shrikant to score the first two goals midway through the second half. He then played a return pass for Heekmat to fire in the third goal, which secured the title for Hirai Suns. Tejas Raut netted the lone consolation goal for the losers.
The Hirai Suns players received the glittering CSL ‘Champions Trophy’ and a cash award of Rs 50,000 from Shri Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena, President and his son Shri Aditya Thackeray, Yuva Sena, President. Flash FC was presented with the ‘Runners-up Trophy’ and with it the cash prize of Rs 25,000.
Flash started aggressively and dominated possession initially but they were unable to capitalize from the chances they created in the opening session of 35 minutes.
After the change of ends, Flash FC continued to hold sway, but 10 minutes into the second session their defence was caught napping as Shaikh with a timely pass put Shrikant in the clear and the latter coolly slotted home from close.
Later, Shaikh once again showed his touch and found Shrikant in the open with a precise defence splitting through pass. Shrikant controlled the ball as he advanced towards the rival goal before chipping past and onrushing Flash goalkeeper Sagar Pagdhare to double the lead.
Flash managed to cut the deficit when Tejas Raut with a deft touch turned into goal Chitresh Tandel’s cross from the left. But, Hirai dashed all hopes Flash may have had of putting up a fight back with Heekmat combining with Shaikh to break through and shoot past a helpless Flash goalkeeper Pagdhare for the third goal and complete the win.
Anil Pawar of Shark FC was declared ‘Player of the tournament’ and was presented with Tata Nano car, while his teammate Faisal Shaikh won the ‘Emerging player of the tournament’ award and rode away with an Activa scooter.
Final Results: Hirai Suns FC 4 (Shrikant Vermalu 2, Heekmat Singh) beat Flash FC 1 (Tejas Raut).
Other awards – Player of the tournament: Anil Pawar (Shark FC) – Tata Nano car.
Emerging player of the tournament: Faisal Shaikh (Shark FC) – shark
Marquee player of the tournament: John Coutinho (Jyoti FC) – Trophy & Rs 10,000.
Best goalkeeper: Harshad Meher (Hirai Suns FC) – Rs 5,000.
Best defender: Tejas Raut (Flash FC) – Rs 5,000.
Best midfielder: Sushil Kawde (Hirai Suns) – Rs 5,000.