State Services grab and retain netball title

The victorious State Services team comprising Dulanga Dhananji (captain), Dushani Bandara, Chamudi Wickramaratne, Hashitha Deshani, Sulochana Jayasekara, Ishini Perera, Vaheesan Abitha, Ayodhya Dayananda, Madumali Singhabahu, Purnima Waidyaratne, Thirakshi Swadya and Amuthini Amirthalingam poses for a ceremonial picture with coach Champa Alwis

By Susil Premalal

The State Services netball team successfully defended their inter-association championship title for the second consecutive year with the guidance of veteran coach Champa Alwis.

After being postponed due to wet weather conditions, the championship was eventually held last weekend at the Torrington Ground in Colombo with 24 district associations participating in the event.

The finalists, the State Services and the Mercantile Services team, competed in an intense final where the State Services players ended victorious 45-29 to retain the championship title.

Despite Mercantile Services leading 20-17 at halftime, the aggressive style of play employed by State Services in the second half saw them take a commanding lead and seal victory.

The Sri Lanka Schools team claimed third place after defeating the Universities team 36-27 in the playoff match.

Dushani Bandara of the State Services was named the Netball Queen of the tournament and also won the award for the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

Additional individual awards were presented to Best Centre Court Player Chamudi Wickramarathna (State Services), Best Shooter Madumali Singhabahu (State Services), Best Defender Tania Gunasekara (Mercantile Services) and Most Promising Player Sanara Silva.