Gateway to a netball triple

Kneeling from left: Ayuni Karunaratne, Snehi Liyanage, Chiyara Wanigarathne and Shanelle Decarne. Standing from left: Liana Gray, Cheneli Jayaweera, Kanishkaa Sanjais, Kuendi Wijethunga, Kenuli Bandara, Griyada Hapukotuwa, Helini Perera, Minuli Upasena and Vinita Shenoy (Principal)

The Under-14 netball team of Gateway College was crowned champions for the third consecutive year at the Inter-International Schools’ Under-14 Netball Tournament at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. Organised by Asian International School, the tournament drew 15 leading international schools and provided a fiercely competitive platform for some of the country’s most talented young netballers.

As defending champions, Gateway were placed in Group A alongside CIS Kandy and Leeds International School. They made an emphatic start recording commanding victories of 14–1 and 17–0 respectively to advance to the knockout stage with considerable ease.

The contest grew sharper from the quarterfinals onward. Gateway faced Lyceum International School, Nugegoda and continued their dominant form with a composed 12–4 win. 

Attention shifted to the all-important quarterfinal between Lyceum International School, Wattala and the British School in Colombo (BSC), the winner of which would meet Gateway in the last four. It proved to be an absorbing contest, with BSC ultimately prevailing through a combination of incisive long passes and clinical finishing.

Special Awards were made to Kanishkaa Sanjais, Griyada Hapukotuwa and Kuendi Wijethunga

Armed with thorough preparation and tactical insight from Gateway’s experienced coaching staff, the team entered the semifinal with a clear target and dismantling BSC 10–3 in a display of cohesion and composure to book their place in the final.

The championship match pitted Gateway against Stafford International School. Demonstrating maturity well beyond their years, the Gateway girls combined discipline, teamwork and precision to secure a 9–4 victory, retaining their title and completing a remarkable hat-trick of championships.

Captain Griyada Hapukotuwa marshalled her side with distinction throughout the tournament and was deservedly honoured as Netball Queen. 

Kuendi Wijethunga claimed the Best Shooter award for her clinical performances in front of goal while Kanishkaa Sanjais was recognised as the tournament’s Best Defensive Player for her tenacious and consistent displays.

Kenuli Bandara was outstanding at goal keeper while Snehi Liyanage, Helini Perera and Liana Gray each made telling contributions in their respective positions. Equally integral to the team’s success were Chiyara Wanigarathne, Cheneli Jayaweera, Minuli Upasena, Shanelle Decarne and Ayuni Karunaratne, whose collective commitment and energy proved instrumental in securing Gateway’s third consecutive title.