Ladies down Girls’ HS in centenary game
Ladies’ College triumphed over their traditional rivals, Girls’ High School, Kandy, by 32-26 in their centenary netball match, claiming victory in the Gwen Opie Memorial Challenge Shield at Ladies’ College grounds in Colombo yesterday.
The match marked 100 years since Ladies’ College and Girls’ High School were the first two schools to introduce school netball in Ceylon in 1924. Ladies’ College captain Adhithi Gunasekara won the toss and chose to play first. The home team took an early lead, finishing the first quarter 9-7 ahead.
Ladies' College won the annual game against Girls' High School, Kandy
Girls’ High School captain, Thenali Hewage, played exceptionally well, but the game slowed down in the second quarter. Both teams struggled to score quickly, maintaining a tight contest throughout. At halftime, Ladies’ College held on to a narrow 16-15 lead.
In the third quarter, Ladies’ College expanded their lead to four points for the first time, reaching 21-17 midway through. However, Girls’ High School fought back, closing the gap to 20-22. At the end of the third quarter, Ladies’ College still led 23-20.
The fourth quarter saw a much faster-paced game. Ladies’ College scored nine more points, securing a 32-26 victory to claim the Gwen Opie Memorial Challenge Shield. Notably, Ladies’ College fielded a young team, with only a handful of senior players, notably goalkeeper Sitharaah Zuhair, the last year’s captain. The rest of the team consisted of Under-17 and Under-18 players.
Thamara Dharmakeerthi Hearath, a distinguished old girl of Ladies’ College and a dual national athlete in both hockey and netball, was the guest of honour. Herath made history as the first Sri Lankan to become the President of the Asian Netball Federation.
In special awards, Tyra Jayaratne of Ladies’ College was named the Best Shooter after scoring the highest number of goals in the match. Vice captain Tasara Fernando was honoured as the Best Defensive Player. For Girls’ High School, captain Thenali Hewage was awarded the Best Centre Court Player.