GEORGE TOWN: CHINESE Recreation Club (CRC) Penang retained their state Chinese FA Senior League title, defeating Timuran SC 3-1 at the State Stadium in Batu Kawan recently.
The evergreen CRC veterans, some of who are grandfathers, captured the Lee Ewe Boo Cup for the third consecutive time in the ‘Battle of the Champions’.
It was sweet revenge for the CRC players as they avenged their defeat by Timuran in the state Chinese Super League final last month.
A brace by CRC defender Roy Choong Hon Hui via freekicks, one in each half, broke the hearts of the Timuran supporters, and the third by Chuah Di Ken was enough to put the Cup beyond the reach of Timuran.
In the 11th minute, Choong’s free kick from 25 metres sailed into the top end of the net.
In the second half, Timuran turned aggressive and six minutes into the restart, Koay Teik Seng connected a left flank cross from Ooi Yong Sheng to cancel the deficit.
In the 65th minute, Choong came forward to take another freekick from just outside the penalty box and made no mistake in placing the ball beyond the reach of Timuran goalkeeper Chang Chow Seng to regain the lead.
As the end approached, Chuah completed a solo run to beat the Timuran goalkeeper.
CRC’s Roy Choong Hon Hui was voted as the Man of the Match.
CRC team manager Foo Sin Chong was proud of his evergreen heroes for their hard work and never-say-die attitude.
“I can proudly claim that my players deserve the win.
“We walked the extra mile with a vengeance to retain the title and also to repay our club for their support, particularly Laurence Loh and coach Moey Yok Ham,” said Foo.
Timuran coach Teoh Choon Kheng conceded defeat, claiming the CRC players were in their best form and his players seemed lost at times.