July 21, 2008	Monday	Rajab 17, 1429

LAHORE, July 21: Lahore’s WP Club clinched the title of the inaugural National Women’s Football Club Championship, defeating Vehari United Club 5-0 in the last match of the Super Four League at the Punjab Stadium here on Sunday.

The winners’ close rivals Diya Club, Karachi, who had to beat Rawalpind’s Young Rising Stars by a clear cut margin of 4-0 in order to gain enough points to win the Super Four, managed a goalless draw instead, which enabled WP Club to win the title after defeating their rivals on Sunday.

WP’s top scorer Shabana Kausar, also the leading scorer of the championship, struck hat-trick. Opening the score in the third minute, Shabana added two more in the 65th and 68th minute for her side, who led by 2-0 at interval.

WP’s other scorers included midfielder Khadija Anjum (33rd min) and winger Aqeela Naseem (50th min), respectively.

Besides lifting the glittering winners trophies, the top three teams also received cash awards worth Rs1,15,000. WP’s captain Shabana received Rs50,000 while runner-up Diya Club walked away with Rs30,000. Meanwhile, Young Rising Stars, the team placed third pocketed Rs20,000.

The Rs5,000 prize for Most Valuable Player went to Young Rising Stars’ Nadia Bhatti while WP’s leading marksman Shabana Kausar (15 goals) and best keeper S. Mahapara (Rising Stars) also pocketed the same amount.

In order to promote good sportsmanship spirit amongst the teams, PFF Chief Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat also presented a cheque of Rs10,000 to the winner of the Fair Play trophy. Diya’s young skipper Hina Javed proudly received the prize.