Awg Tengah with (from left) Joseph, Asri and Stanley in Lawas
LAWAS: Putera FC defeated Kpg Siang Siang 3-1 in the final of Lawas soccer league at Lawas outdoor stadium to take the Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan Challenge Trophy and RM 5,000 in cash prize.
Putera, who were leading 2-1 at half time, dashed Siang Siang’s hope of making a comeback with a killer stab during a goalmouth melee in the opening minutes of the second half on a soggy pitch at both ends.
With a two-goal cushion, Putera went on the defensive to soak up the Siang Siang attacks and launching counter raids down the flanks.
The minister in his speech at the prize presentation called for a revival of Lawas football glory days, saying it has the pedigree and talents for state and national players since the 70’s.
He was happy that Lawas presently has two state players in Asri Chuchu and Jon Fadley to continue carrying the torch but called for more talents to be unearthed from the district.
“Lawas has a lot of talents since the 70’s, with national and state players in James Yakob,Washington, Henry Pudun, Lawrence Rining and several others,” Awg Tengah said.
He and Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong has approved funds for upgrading of football fields in villages and creating new pitches apart from the ongoing Lawas stadium upgrade to raise the standard of the sport.
Awang Tengah looked forward to supporting the league as an annual event and called for bigger tournaments to include regional competitions with teams from Sabah,Brunei, Labuan and other regions.
On the Lawas League final, he commended the finalists for delivering their best on athe soggy field which could have prevented the teams from bringing their quality to the fore.
The current state players in Asri and Joseph Kalang Tie and former player Stanley Fraser were also at the stadium to watch the finals, all giving their verdict that the talents need to be polished further.