HNB led by Dharshika Abeywickrama emerged champions when they beat Sri Lanka Air Force led by Sureka Kumari 44-28 at the National Netball championship concluded at Torrington grounds yesterday.
It wasa superb team effort by HNB team. From the first quarter HNB domineted the final game getting an early lead. The first quarter HNB led 18-9 while after second quarter HNB controlled the game to lead 28-11.
The third and fourth sets Air Force team made good challenge but it was not enough to foil the HNB team effort. After the third quarter HNB led 37-19 while fourth and final quarter HNB players put up a fine display to win the game comfortably 44-28 to clinch the fifth consecutive title. In fact this was overall 18th time HNB won the National title.
The winning HNB were strengthened by National skipper Gayanjali Amarawansa, deputy skipper Dulangi Wannitilleka, Gayani Dissanayake and Malmi Hettiarachchi.
The winning HNB team coach Shashi Samarasinghe said they had very good plans before the Nationals. Actually our team had very good commitment while four National players Gayani Dissanayake, Gayanjali Amarawansa, Dulangi Wannitilleka and Malmi Hettiarachchi strengthed the side. We had very light training sessions and more concerned about skills and strength training.
HNB skipper Dharshika Abeywickrama said we performed very well and hope to repeat this team performance in the future. My coaches Shashika Samarasinghe and Kumarin de Silva and HNB management gave good support to get success.
Arjuna Ranatunga chairman of National sport Council, State Minister of Sport Rohana Dissanayake, Secretary of the Sports Ministry K Mahesan, Sports Director General Amal Edirisooriya and Dialog Axiata Vice president Thisara Kendearachchi and President of the Netball Federation Victoria Lakshmi were prasent at the awards ceremony.
Special awards:
Best center court player – Gayanjali Amarawansa(HNB), Best defensive player – Malmi Hettiarachchi (HNB), Best Shooter – Umayanga de Soyza, Netball Queen – Gayani Dissanayake (HNB).
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