Hatton National Bank (HNB) retained the Dialog Champions Trophy when they edged Air Force 40-39 in a thrilling final of the Netball National Championship concluded at Albert F Pieris Indoor Stadium Wennappuwa on Sunday (22).
Air Force had a great start to the match as they raced into an early lead with back-to-back goals. The Airwomen were working the ball into the circle with accuracy and their shooters often played the shooter-to-shooter ball to get the ball as close to the post as possible. It was a dominant quarter for the Air Force lasses with the score 12 – 09 at the break.
Into the second quarter, HNB finally got back their rhythm and their defence was shutting down the space well. They then began to capitalise on Air Force complacency and reduced the deficit before heading into half-time with a one point lead – 23-22.
HNB started the second half with the same momentum, and looking to build on their lead, and they did just that as their circle defence limited Air Force opportunities on goal, and looked fluid in attack.
HNB continued to dominate the match and did not show any signs of complacency as they accurately worked the ball to their goal shooter, who had a significant height advantage in the circle. On the other hand, Air Force did not let their heads drop though and continued to look busy and create occasional problems for their opponents. However, at the third quarter break HNB led 33-32.
Air Force came out fighting in the final quarter with the idea of making a late comeback, but the HNB circle defence was capitalising on any mistake made by Air Force, and in attack HNB were patiently working the ball into areas where they could then confidently feed their goal shooter.
It was a composed final quarter display by HNB who dealt with the pressure applied by the opponents well to wrap up the match with the final score reading 40-39.
Special awards:
Best Centre: Rukshala Hapuarachchi
(Air Force)
Best Shooter: Dharshika Abeywickrama (HNB)
Best Defensive Player: Sureka Perera
(Air Force)
2024 Netball Queen: Rashmi Diwyanjali
(Air Force)
The Winning HNB Team Celebrating at the Dialog National Netball Championship 2023 after beating the Air Force Team 40 – 39 in a thrilling encounter at the Sir Albert F Peiris Sports Complex, Wennappuwa. Also in the picture: Victoria Lakshmi – Director, World Netball Federation, President- Asian Netball Federation, President – Netball Federation of Sri Lanka, Prashan Costa – Senior Manager, Marketing Operations, Dialog Axiata PLC, Ashani Senaratne – General Manager, Marketing, Dialog Axiata PLC, Yesmin Dharmarathne – Former Deputy President NFSL, Founder President of Sri Lanka Universities Netball Association, President – Colombo District Netball Association, Olivia
Gamage – Former Director of Sports, Ministry of Education, Former Liaison officer of Netball Federation of Sri Lanka, President – Master’s Netball Association.
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