IRC FINAL A ‘FAMILY’ AFFAIR
‘A’ team pip club’s ‘B’ side to title
K. KANDIAH nstsport@nst.com.my
THE final of the Penang Indian Recreation Club (IRC) Champion Cup Open Football tournament turned into a ‘family’ affair as the club’s two sides locked horns in the final.
It turned out to be a closely contested affair as penalties were needed to settle matters after the final ended scoreless, with IRC ‘A’ winning the shootout 3-2.
IRC ‘A’ took home a trophy, medals and RM1,000 for emerging champions while IRC ‘B’ won medals and RM800. Bunga Raya Football Club and Island Combine won medals and RM600 and RM400 respectively for finishing third and fourth.
IRC manager Mohd Rafi Abdul Rahim Rajendran said they had targeted both teams to be in the final.
“I am very happy that my boys have made my day and helped make my dream come true. I am proud that they won all the matches in the run-up to the final, which I think is a great achievement. Hats off to them,” Mohd Rafi said.
The nine-a-side event was held in conjunction with the club’s 108th anniversary celebrations at the Polo Ground in George Town.
Club president M.C. Pitchay said 12 teams from Penang and one from Perlis competed in the Open category.
RESULTS — Men’s Open s-finals: Indian Recreation Club A 3 Island Combine 0; Indian Recreation Club B 1 Bunga Raya Football Club 0; 3rd-4th: Bunga Raya Football Club 0 (3) Island Combine 0 (2); Final: Indian Recreation Club A 0 (3) Indian Recreation Club B 0 (2).