Dini shines as Gateway Colombo emerge U-14 Netball champions
View(s):
Individual award winners (from left) - Chenuthi, Dini and Raneen
Gateway College, Colombo overcame Lyceum International School, Wattala by 10-8 to snatch the Inter-International Schools Under-14 Netball Championship, after a stiff final played at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo last weekend.
After a successful campaign Gateway, Colombo emerged the top team among a total of 15 international schools that were featured in the annual gala tournament, where 12-year-old Dini Jayaweera displayed her perfect athleticism to earn the ‘Netball Queen’ title for her contribution to the team.
Dini played with full commitment, showcasing her potential of becoming a future national star in netball, as she exhibited perfect playing skills with great speed and flawless technical style of play. Her teammates Chenuthi Perera earned the ‘Best Defence Player’ award and skipper Ranin Nazih won the ‘Best Shooter’ award, combining well with Dini’s rapid style of play to help Gateway, Colombo end up being worthy champions. Riari Wickramaarachchi of Lyceum, Wattala had the consolation of winning the ‘Best Centre Court Player’ despite her team losing the final by a thin margin.
The team also benefited from outstanding performances by centre Sairi Sadikeen, goal shooter Laiha Reyal, and wing defence Adheeba Fareen. Other noteworthy contributions came from junior players Suhasi Jayakody, Roshelli Mendis, Griyada Hapukotuwa, Orla Wijethunga, Shenelly Wanigasinghe, and Kulansa Sasuvi, rounding out a well-balanced and successful team.
On the way to the final Gateway, Colombo ended the winning streak of Gateway, Kandy by 7-5 in the first semi-final, while Lyceum, Wattala thrashed Lyceum, Nugegoda 10-4 in the second semi-final. In the third place playoff, Gateway, Kandy defeated Lyceum, Wattala to join their counterparts from Colombo in celebrating a successful end to their campaign to a well contested Inter-International Schools Under-14 Netball Championship.
Netball Queen Dini Jayaweera (L) in action in the final
Gateway Colombo and Gateway Kandy teams with coaches and officials after their successful campaign