Champions Madras Engineer Group and Centre’s title defence began on a wrong note after they were held to a goalless draw by Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) in the Super Division League which got under way at the Bangalore Football Stadium here on Thursday.

The season-opener turned out to be a damp squib as both teams failed to come out of a defensive rut and dished out some ordinary football, much to the chagrin of a motley crowd. It looked as though MEG were still basking in the glory of their maiden title, while LRDE were content to play second fiddle.

In a result reminiscent of English Premier League champions Manchester United’s season opener when they were held by lowly Reading last Sunday, the Sappers failed to live up to the tag of the champion side with most of the players looking weary in the heat. The forward line was virtually non-existent, Ngurnielal Hmar being the lone exception as he came out with some good moves, but when it came to finishing, he too came a cropper. The LRDE defenders had marked him clearly and it didn’t come as a surprise when he was at the receiving end of some rough tackles.

After a dull first half, LRDE brought on Edwin George for Manimaran up front and the move seemed to be paying off as Edwin injected some life into the game with swift attacks. One of his moves almost resulted in a goal, but his header was off target after Aneesh Kumar fed him with a neat cross from the left wing.

With minutes to go before the final whistle, Sappers’ Ngurnielal had a long shy at the opposition goal, only to see LRDE custodian Anthony collecting the ball after an initial fumble.