Imphal, December 20 2009: After a gap of five years, Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) regained the title of the prestigious Sir Churachand Singh KCSI CBE Memorial football tournament after TRUGPU, Nambol defender Kh Regan Singh deflected into his own net in the final of the tournament's 53rd edition at Khuman Lampak Main stadium today.

After missing the target in the first few attempts, TRAU struck the match-winner when a harmless looking L Lolendro cross from the left found K Priyokumar's lunging right foot and sailed over the custodian's head, hit the inside of the crosspiece and rolled into the open goal in the 15th minute.

The goal spurred the Nambol side, who won two corners in quick succession but failed to capitalise on the opportunity as attempts at the rival goal lacked both sting and precision.

TRAU on the otherhand could have extended the lead soon after when Tiken darted in from the right flank and essayed to his strike partner Lunminlal Khongsai who failed to connect the ball past a stranded TRUGPU custodian N Thoi Singh.

Thoi also denied TRAU from scoring atleast three gilt-edged chance palming away a scorching free-kick by M Bishorjit, making similar save when M Meino struck from the right flank.

After a brief stoppage as Thoi sustained injury in making the second save, the custodian yet again prevented the rivals' T Premchand Sharma from tapping home the second goal.

While the first half ended with TRAU being the more dominant side, TRUGPU were a rejuvenated side after the break even though TRAU forward line kept Thoi busy from swift counter-attacks.

With the hard-working L Gouro Singh scheming most of the moves from the left flank and sending dipping passes into the rival goal-mouth the Nambol side managed to occasionally breach the TRAU defence.

However, the equaliser continued to elude TRUGPU as the attempts, including headers either missed the mark or went straight to the waiting hands of L Ibungcha much to the frustration of hundreds of travelling fans.

Ibungcha was also shown the yellow card for time wasting late into the match.

Premchand Sharma and Meino were also booked for unsporting conducts.

the win also fetched TRAU top cash prize of Rs 70,000 and the rolling trophy while TRUGPU had to be content with Rs 30,000 and trophy.

N Thoi was declared best player of the tournament, L Ibungcha bagged the best goalkeeper award with Lunminlal Khongsai getting the man of the final match award while N Jimmy of nISA claimed the top scorer trophy.

The tournament's best defender honour went to Th Surjit of NEROCA and N gouro was named the final match's best midfielder.

Each of these awards carried cash prize of Rs 2000 each donated by individuals in memory of their near and dear family members.

moreover, presentations of male footballer of the year award to Ksh Malemnganba and the female honour to K Rebika Devi of MPSC were the other highlight of the closing ceremony.

NEROCA also bagged the fair play trophy while national referee I Rabichandra Singh was declared the best referee of the tournament.

Ministers K Ranjit (Works), N Biren (Sports) and L Jayentakumar (Education) graced the closing ceremony as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

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