By Emdad Rahman
Champions elect Poplar Legends eased into the penultimate week of games in the Sonali Othith Masters Tournament at Mulberry Leisure Centre and are now firm favourites to lift the veterans championship.
Rekhon Ali scored a stunning hat trick with a fourth goal coming from Dilawar Miah in the first game against Ocean. In the second game, Shagor were dispatched firmly, with Ali, Miah and man of the tournament Mashud Miah sealing an easy 3-1 victory. The wins leave Poplar favourites to clinch the title next week.
Captain Dilawar Miah said: “We play a tight game which requires one hundred and ten per cent from each player. It’s a great feeling to be in this position. Dawatul Islam, in second place, can still win the title and we are taking nothing for granted. There is no talk about the championship in our camp and we will prepare for next week as we normally do – with full focus.”
Faruque Mahfuz Ahmed from Sonali Othith added: “Despite two teams easing ahead the main thing is the competitive nature throughout. Everyone is playing for pride and this is reflected in the game standards we have enjoyed watching.”
In other games, Shagor beat CAG 2-1, who went onto lose 4-1 to Shadwell. Second placed Dawatul Islam beat Shadwell 3-0 and Ocean 5-1.
Sonali Othith Chair Dawlath Khan Babul hopes more people will sign up for future tournaments. “It’s more important that people engage with physical activities as they grow older. Once we reach a certain age there is a danger of isolation and depression engulfing the self and these get-togethers are a great and positive outlet for many.”
•For more information about the tournament, go to: www.sonaliothith.org
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