By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Despite the rains from Tropical Storm Urduja, the inaugural Philippines Football League (PFL) title match pressed on at the Panaad Park and Stadium over the weekend, where a hat trick from Ceres-Negros FC midfielder Iain Ramsay helped bring the championship trophy to Bacolod City, defeating Global Cebu FC, 4-1.

Ceres struck early with a goal from midfielder Bienvenido Marañón in the fourth minute, who scored off a cross from Ramsay.

Global striker Rufo Sánchez nearly equalized on the counterattack, however, his attempt was denied by the crossbar.

Ramsay kicked off his scoring campaign in the 20th minute, getting the ball past Global keeper Patrick Deyto. He later secured a brace in the 28th minute off a pass from defender Junior Muñoz.

The home side went into halftime up 3-0.

Ramsay, who was named ‘Man of the Match,’ earned his hat trick in the 61th minute.

Global forward Darryl Roberts earned his side a consolation goal in the closing minutes of regulation team, closing the match with a 4-1 Ceres victory.

“It’s special to play for Ceres FC, for the fans, [and] for the people of Negros,” said Ramsay during the post-match press conference. “It’s been an amazing experience.”

The midfielder, who has been linked with a move to Thai League 1 club Prachuap FC next season, added, “I don’t know what the future holds for me, whether I come back to Ceres.”

The win earned Ceres a spot in the 2018 AFC Champions League qualifying play-offs, where they are scheduled to face Shan United FC of Myanmar next month./JSG, WDJ