Colombo University reign supreme 3rd year running
Seated from left: Dinuka Perera, Yasas Amindu (Vice Captain), Rohan Dissanayake (Coach), Ashan Wijetilleke (Captain), Mrs Wasantha Ratnayake (Instructress), Thanuka Tennekoon, Ashan Ranasinghe Standing 1st row from left: Thushanka de Silva, Neranga Bamunuarachchi, Sasanka Sandes, Pathum Dinendra, Mihiran Chamara, Lakshan Chaturanga, Thusith Chaturanga Standing 2nd row from left: Dushan Nanayakkara, Dilrukshan Sivayogagnayagam, Buddhika Dasanayake, Sandun Weerasinghe, Kanishka Anuradha, Yasodharan Selvakumar, Duminda Kosgahakumbura
The University of Colombo (UoC) proved their dominance in Hockey when their Men’s team emerged unbeaten champions for the 3rd successive year, while their Women’s clinched the 2nd runner-up position at the University Games- Hockey Tournament worked off at the University of Peradeniya (UoP) Grounds recently.
In the Men’s final played amidst a large gathering, UoC stickers were given a torrid time by the University of Moratuwa (UoM) who held them to a scoreless draw at the end of full time, but prevailed 4-3 through the penalty stroke shootout.
UoC Hockey players were the cynosure of all eyes with their excellent teamwork which produced a champion outfit that dished out superb Hockey right throughout the tournament, to retain the champions tag for the 3rd year in a row.
In the run up to the final, UoC beat Ruhuna University 2-1 and UoP 1-0 in the Group stage. Then defeated Sabaragamuwa University 2-0 in the quarterfinals and Rajarata University 4-3 in the semifinals.
The champion UoC team was led by Ashan Wijetilleke with Yasas Amindu as his deputy.
The UoC Women’s team too performed creditably to emerge 2nd Runner-up, defeating Jaffna University in the Consolation final. UoC fielded a comparatively new side this year, with only a couple of players having played the game previously. Yet, they stunned the favourite teams full of experienced players.
The UoC Women’s team was captained by Umali Dissanayake with Pramodhya Abeysekera as her deputy.
Both the Men’s and Women’s teams were coached by Rohan Dissanayake.
Umali Dissanayake (Captain), Pramodhya Abeysekera (Vice Captain), Oshani Weerakkody, Gayanga Dias, Sakuni Radaliyagoda, Ruwanmalee Dissanayake, Tharindhi Wijesinghe, Upani Karunaratne, Sewmi Rupasinghe, Nuwini Dulanga, Manushika Cooray, Maneesha Ratnadiwakara, Dilanka Perera, Inoka Sandamali, Akshana Perera, Dharshani Pramudika, Uvini Liyanage, Yashika de Alwis