32nd Milo Schools Netball from August 15 to 17 at Kurunegala

32nd Milo Schools Netball from August 15 to 17 at Kurunegala

By M. Shamil Amit

The All Island Schools Netball Championship, a much looked forward to and popular schools’ sports event conducted for girls aspiring to reach great heights in the future will be back in action.
The Sri Lanka Schools Netball Association (SLSNA) with the blessings of the Ministry of Education and sponsored by Nestle Lanka PLC who are promoting the championship for the 32nd successive year have finalized arrangements to conduct the championship from August 15 to 17 at the Maligapitiya ground in Kurunegala.
The tournament will be conducted in two divisions (A and B) in four age groups of Under 13, 15, 17 and 19. The A division under 13 age group will comprise six teams and four each in the other three age groups while the B division tournament will be conducted in the three age groups of under 15, 17 and 19 that will comprise two teams in each group. 
In preparation for the main tournament the SLSNA conducted the preliminary and qualifying tournaments at 16 centres around the island which had the participation of over 15,000 players around the island and the organizers are expecting over 4000 players to be in action in the final three days of the tournament.
Last year Maliyadeva BV Kurunegala emerged the overall champions for the second successive year when it was conducted at the Uyanwatte stadium in Matara and they will be aiming to retain the title for the third time.
But the defending champs will also face stiff opposition from hometown rivals Holy Family Convent who were the champions for a record 13 times and are banking to bounce back to regain the title.