Hockey: Nalanda annexes Karunananda Challenge Trophy at 14th encounter with Ananda

In an absorbing game of hockey Nalanda College annexed the M.W. Karunananda Challenge Trophy at the 14th Ananda-Nalanda annual hockey encounter at the Astro Hockey turf in Torrington.   Revived after lapse of 12 years the game got off to a terrific start as both teams were evenly matched in play.   The standard of the game was evident as the results of the game had to be decided on penalty strokes as Nalanda edged out Ananda to a 4-3 win.   In a game where the goal keepers of both sides, Nalandian Sudara Sachintha and Vinura Wijekoon of Ananda had to work over-time as forwards of both schools making strong attacks at the goal.   The back divisions had to clear away rampaging forwards from their danger areas too were a busy lot.   The game swung from side to side every minute as both sides made the game fast and open. Both schools had many opportunities in scoring but every attempt was spoilt by the rock solid defenders.   Nalanda went into the lead in the 15th minute of the first half when off a penalty corner 16-year-old forward Ravindu Pahasara making a powerful drive which gave the reliable Ananda custodian no chance. Nalanda led 1-0 at the short whistle.   Spectators were given a real taste of Maroons quality hockey in the second half as both sides firing in all cylinders making every effort to penetrate each others defence lines to sound the board.   Half way in the second half Ananda succeeded in scoring off a penalty stroke when Udula Ratnayake made no mistake with a well placed drive.   This hectic battle score stood 1-1 at the long whistle and went into the wire. Lady luck smiled on Nalanda as they converted four out of the five penalties while Ananda managed only to score three thus making Nalanda the proud winners of the coveted M.W. Karunananda Trophy 2015.   Nalanda leads the series with nine wins to Ananda’s four with one drawn game.   T. Satis Kumar and W.M.C. Dissanayake controlled the game and Maithri Vithana stood as the third umpire.