Royal cut the first niche
Royal beat Gateway 46-43 to win the title - Pic by M.D. Nissanka
The glittering Alles-Gunasekera Trophy made its inaugural journey to Reid Avenue yesterday evening to take shelter at Royal College when their Under-19 cagers scored a calculated win over Gateway International School at the Pedris Park Basketball Complex.
The game got off in a terrific pace as both side made speedy invasions to each others territories to make brave attempts to score. Royal went ahead in the first quarter 18-11. Gateway tried to come back to the game in the second quarter adding 15 shoots but Royal playing a more organised game closed with 30-26 lead at the end of the second quarter.
As both sides trying to dominate in the third quarter onwards the spectators witnessed a superb game of basketball with some electrifying movements trying to improve their respective tallies. Both sides missed some opportunities but Royal never stopped from where they started and ended with a lead of 40-34. In the final quarter it was a ding dong battle but Royal lived up to their reputation as National Schools Basketball champions ended the quarter with a close 46-43 to be the proud winners of the inaugural encounter.
Chavaan De Costa of Gateway Intl’ School was adjudged the Best Offensive Player while the Defensive Players award was won by Royal skipper Tharindu Balasuriya. Rukshan Atthapathu of Royal College walked away with the The Most Valuable Player of the Match award.