COLOMBO, August 28 (ePRESS) – Red Star, Blue Star and Blue Eagles are locked in a tight three-way battle for the remaining places in the Super Six round of the Sri Lanka Super League, with only three points separating the teams as the preliminary stage enters its decisive phase.
Unbeaten Up Country Lions of Nawalapitiya currently lead the standings with a perfect 18 points from six matches, having scored an impressive 27 goals. Colombo FC are second with 14 points from six games and 11 goals.
Renown are in third place with 12 points after scoring 18 goals in six matches, while Sea Hawks are fourth with 11 points and 12 goals from six outings.
The main battle is now around the Super Six cut-off.
Red Star are fifth with eight points and have three important matches remaining against Defenders, Ratnam and Colombo FC.
Blue Star are sixth with seven points and will face Renown, Defenders and Ratnam in their remaining preliminary-round fixtures.
Blue Eagles, representing the Air Force, are seventh, also with seven points. They face a difficult run against table leaders Up Country Lions, Renown and Sea Hawks.
With only one point separating fifth-placed Red Star from Blue Star and Blue Eagles, every point in the remaining matches could prove crucial in deciding who reaches the Super Six.
The competition is also becoming stronger with foreign players recruited by all three clubs making a major impact. Their performances have added more quality and intensity to the race.
Sea Hawks, representing the Navy, have also brought in Englishman Georgie K. Rao as their coach, adding another new dimension to this year’s competition.
Under the Super League format, the top six teams from the 10-team preliminary round will qualify for the Super Six, while the bottom four will enter the relegation round and play against each other.
At the end of the relegation round, the ninth-placed team will face Champions League runners-up Java Lane in a play-off, while the team finishing 10th will be relegated to the Champions League.
The Super Six race could take another important turn today (Friday) when leaders Up Country Lions face Blue Eagles at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo at 3.30pm.
Blue Star will then face Renown tomorrow (Saturday) in another crucial match that could have a major impact on the battle for a place among the top six.
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