Ananda scored a stunning 2-0 victory over arch rivals Nalanda at the 17th Ananda Nalanda Hockey Encounter for the M.W. Karunananda Trophy at the Astro Hockey Turf in Torrington on Saturday (27).
Nalanda a better fancied side was outplayed by the gritty Anandians as they dominated play in the final two quarters in the second half.
The game started with both sides working the ball with speed to enter the opponent’s D area but the back division of both schools prevented any scoring in the first half.
The forwards of Ananda and Nalanda were fed with good balls by the wingers but neither school was able to beat the defence lines.
The first half ended with the scoreboard reading 0-0.
Ananda took to the turf with a set of different plans which worked off well.
They unsettled the high riding Nalandians with three consecutive wins in 2015, 16 and 17 in the final two quarters in the second half with some fierce drives which made the Nalandian defence seem just spectators.
The sound of the board was first made by Anandian Deputy Skipper Pasindu Jayasekera which put Ananda in front 1-0.
From there onward Ananda dominated play over their arch rivals made Jayasekera to score his second goal of the match.
Nalanda making desperate attempts to score in the final stages but lack of finish prevented them from going ahead.
The final whistle was blown with Ananda in the lead 2-0 and the M.W. Karunananda Trophy found its new home at Ananda College after three years.
Dilusha de Silva was named the Player of the match for his fine stick display both in attack and defence.
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