Gateway girls and queens triumph on Women’s Day weekend

Rayani Gunathilake and Shenuli Peiris

Gateway College Colombo won the Under 18 and Under 16 TISSL netball tournaments organised by Colombo International School at St. Joseph’s College Indoor Sports Complex in Maradana. 

Over the two days of intense competition, the netballers of Gateway produced a dominant display, emerging champions in both age categories and firmly establishing themselves as the undisputed netball queens on Women’s Day weekend.

The Gateway Under-18 team led by the calm and composed captain Kushali Abeywickrema, clinched the championship after defeating Lyceum International School Wattala 13–11 in a closely contested final. Gateway held a narrow 6–5 lead at half time before maintaining their composure to secure victory.

Gateway topped their group in commanding fashion, defeating CIS Colombo 24–0, Gateway College Kandy 8–6 and Lyceum Panadura 20–2. In the semifinal, they comfortably overcame Horizon College with a convincing 13–5 victory.

Kushali Abeywickrema was adjudged the Best Centre Court Player, while the talented Shenuli Peiris was crowned Netball Queen of the tournament.

Gateway’s defence stood firm throughout the competition, with Shwetha Kalubowila and Sauni Jayasiri delivering outstanding performances. In attack, Natalie Fernando and Aysha Ali carried the scoring responsibilities with confidence, while Dini Jayaweera played a crucial role at Wing Attack, skilfully feeding the shooters.

Levana Amarasinghe, Shanice Decarne, Sairi Sadikken, Raneen Nazhi and Rayani Gunathilake also contributed strongly, providing excellent support and depth to the team.

The Gateway Under-16 team delivered an equally impressive performance to claim the championship title. Led by the responsible and determined captain Sairi Sadikeen, Gateway defeated Lyceum Wattala 13–3 in a commanding final.

The Gateway girls were dominant from the group stages, recording emphatic victories over CIS Colombo (17–0), Horizon College (18–6), Stafford International School (24–0) and CIS Kandy (24–1). In the semifinal, they defeated their counterparts Gateway Kandy 10–4 to advance to the final.

Shooters Laiha Reyal and Rayani Gunathilake were outstanding in attack, while Rayani’s agility and control in the centre court earned her the Best Centre Court Player award. Shenuli Peiris once again showcased her exceptional talent and was crowned Netball Queen.

Dini Jayaweera and Shenuli Peiris were instrumental in defence, making crucial interceptions that halted the progress of their opponents. Raneen Nazhi, a reliable all-rounder, performed effectively as Wing Attack, creating opportunities and maintaining the team’s rhythm.

Adheeba Fareen provided valuable support in both defence and the centre court as Wing Defence, while Chenuthi Perera, celebrating her birthday on the day, impressed with her versatility in defence and shooting. Griyada Hapukotuwa, Shenally Wanigasinghe, Suhasi Jayakody and Shanaya Vincent also maintained the high standards expected of Gateway College netball.

With championship titles in both the Under 18 and Under 16 categories, Gateway College Colombo once again demonstrated its strength in netball, highlighting the depth of talent, teamwork and discipline that continues to define the school’s sporting tradition. 

Kaushali Abhayawardane

The Gateway U-18 team. Standing: Dini Jayaweera, Shwetha Kalubowila, Kushali Abhayawardane, Natalie Fernando, Sauni Jayasiri, Shenuli Peiris, Aysha Ali, Rayani Gunathillake. Front row: Raneen Nazhi, Shanice Decarne, Levana Amarasinghe, Sairi Sadikeen

The Gateway U-16 team. Standing: Chenuthi Perera, Rayani Gunathilake, Shenuli Peiris, Sairi Sadikeen, Dini Jayaweera, Laiha Reyal, Raneen Nazhi, Front row: Shenaya Vincent, Adeeba Fareen, Griyada Hapukotuwa, Shenali Wanigasinghe, Suhasi Jayakody