Maliyadeva GS emerge netball queens as 31st Milo Schools Championship concludes
View(s):Maliyadeva Girls School, Kurunegala emerged victorious at the 31st Sri Lanka Schools Netball Championship that concluded on Wednesday at the Uyanwatte Stadium in Matara. On their way to create a new dominance in schools netball, Maliyadeva GS won three age categories – the Under-19, Under-15 and Under-13, as they swept the board dethroning the stronghold of hometown rivals Holy Family Convent, Kurunegala.
Maliyadeva GS defeated Holy Family Convent, Kalutara to clinch the main title, the Under-19 Division ‘A’, while their Under-15 team overcame Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda to pocket a double crown. Their quest to claim a triple crown became a reality when the Maliyadeva GS Under-13 side defeated Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo in the final.
Overall Champions Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya girls with their trophies
In addition to winning the overall title and three age group championships, Maliyadeva GS pocketed three individual awards on offer. Bhashini Udagedara was adjudged the most outstanding player in the Under-19 category for her prowess while Senumi Nimansa emerged the best among all of Under-15 players. The most outstanding player award in the Under-13 age group went to Sheyara Dahamdi Wijesuriya, who completed Maliyadeva GS a rare triple treat.
The Under-17 Division ‘A’ title was won by Mahamaya Girls’ School, who defeated Hilwood College in a rare all-Kandy final. Ayodya Alawattegama of Mahamaya GS claimed the most outstanding player award in that category.
Januthi Amarasinghe, the captain of Maliyadeva GS Under-19 side, receiving the overall winner’s trophy from Bernhard Stefan, the Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka
In Division ‘B’, the Under-19 title was claimed by Sujatha Balika Vidyalaya, Matale, who overcame Mahinda Vidyalaya, Gettuwana, as Bhawathra Kavindi Amarasuriya snatched the award for the most outstanding player. Despite losing their chances in the Under-19 final, Mahinda Vidyalaya, Gettuwana became the Under-17 champions, toppling Molaelapitiya Primary School, Kuliyapitiya. Ransi Wijewardane of the winning side was adjudged the most outstanding player of this age group. Sri Sunanda Maha Vidyalaya, Padeniya won the Under-15 title beating Udispattuwa Primary School with S.P.K.N. Gunathilake claiming the most outstanding player award.
Organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Netball Association under the guidance of the Ministry of Education and sponsored by Nestlé Milo, the annual competition November 4 to 6, gathering a participation of over 4,000 young netball players from 800 schools across the country. The championship was played in two divisions – ‘A’ and ‘B’ covering four varying age groups, including Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19.
Division ‘A’ Most Outstanding Players of all age groups (from left) Sheyara Dahamdi Wijesuriya (Under-13, Maliyadeva BV, Kurunegala), Senumi Vimansa (Under-15, Maliyadeva BV, Kurunegala), Ayodya Alawattegama (Under-17, Mahamaya GS, Kandy) and Bhashini Udagedara (Under-19, Maliyadeva BV, Kurunegala) with the presentation party
Division ‘B’ Most Outstanding Players of all age groups (from left) Bhawathra Kavindi Amarasuriya (Under-19, Sujatha BV, Matale), Ransi Wijewardena (Under-17, Mahinda Vidyalaya, Gettuwana) and S.P.K.N Gunathilake (Under-15, Sunanda MV, Padeniya)
