Bhagya hat-trick help Bishop’s trounce Ladies’ at 18th annual hockey encounter
View(s):In a commanding display of skill and strategy, Bishop’s College triumphed over long-time rivals Ladies’ College with a historic 3-0 win in their annual LC-BC Hockey encounter, held at Police Park last weekend. Leading 1-0 at halftime, Bishop’s extended their dominance in the second half to secure one of the most decisive victories yet.
The day’s excitement began with the Under-17 match, which ended in a thrilling goalless draw. However, it was the Under-19 match that secured the overall title for Bishop’s, as they clinched the coveted shield and brought it back to Boyd Place.
Bhagya Fernando scored a hat-trick for Bishop’s in the main encounter
The success of Bishop’s was built on a remarkable combination of aggressive attacking play and resilient defence led by Anika Tennakoon. The team, captained by Nethra Shankar, dominated the field consistently pressuring their opponents with numerous shots on goal, several of which narrowly missed the mark.
The standout performer of the match was undoubtedly senior sticker Bhagya Fernando, who delivered an exceptional performance by scoring all three goals for her team. Her precise execution in set plays and her unstoppable offensive drives left the opposition defence helpless.
This victory is the latest highlight in an already successful season for the Bishop’s hockey team, who recently secured the third place in Western Province and qualified for both the National School Games as well as the quarter-finals of the All-Island Hockey Tournament. Additionally, five Bishop’s players have been selected to represent the Colombo Schools squad this year, while senior goalie Vinaya Perera was selected to the national pool.
The victorious Bishop’s College hockey teams with the coveted title
Held for the 18th year, the annual hockey encounter between the two sister-schools has been one of the most anticipated encounters since 2005. With this victory, the overall result stands at nine wins by Ladies’ to six wins by Bishop’s while both schools have shared the honours on three occasions. The 2020 encounter was called off due to the Covid-19 pandemic while the 2021 game won by Bishop’s, was played only as a friendly match also due to the pandemic.
Bishop’s stickers claimed major honours by securing two individual awards presented in the Under-19 encounter. Standout player Bhagya Fernando was awarded the Best Offensive Player while her team mate Vinaya Perera was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper from the Bishop’s unit. For Ladies’ Anya Abhayaratne was presented with the Best Defensive Player award for her contribution for the team.
However, in the Under-17 Ladies’ stickers stole the limelight as Minelle de Fonseka claimed the Best Defensive Player and Pranali Britto grabbed the Best Goalkeeper awards. Maika Tennakoon of Bishop’s was adjudged the Best Offensive Player.