Royal College became the champions at the National Age Group Water Polo League Tournament organized by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union at the Air Force Swimming Pool Complex in Ratmalana last Sunday as they accounted for all three titles in the boys’ segment.
Visakha Vidyalaya also had a strong showing securing two age group titles, including the prestigious Senior Girls’ Championship.
The championship was however minus S. Thomas’ College and Ladies’ College due to the August school vacation and their absence significantly altered the competitive environment potentially influencing the outcomes in the boys’ and girls’ categories.
But Royal College’s players were in top form and were unbeatable as they swept through the competition to claim the Senior Under-19 Championship, the Junior Under-15 Championship and the inaugural Under-13 Championship.
In the Senior Under-19 division, they convincingly defeated Thurstan College 32-3, Nalanda College 24-5, DS Senanayake College 18-2 and Wesley College 25-1, securing the league title with ease.
Standout performances came from Bihandu Katugampola, Dimithri Liyanage, Dinal Wellappili, Lithum Karunasena and Yasandu de Silva.
DS Senanayake College finished as runners-up in the Under-19 division with notable victories over Wesley College (22-4), Thurstan College (14-5) and Nalanda College (16-4).
Fadhil Shihab, Umair Faris, Harsh Nishitha and Sri Lanka goalkeeper Sahiru Athukorale were key contributors to their success.
Royal College’s Junior Under-15 team also dominated, securing the top slot with victories over DS Senanayake College (14-3), Thurstan College (21-4) and Nalanda College (19-1). Chesath Keenavinna, Sulaiman Shihar and Ramira Aluthge delivered brilliant performances for the junior team.
In the Under-13 category, Royal College once again displayed their prowess, clinching the championship by defeating Wesley College (18-0), Thurstan College (13-1) and Nalanda College (11-9). The Liyanage twins, Thasith and Thusith, along with Janek Peiris were exceptional for Royal College.
On the girls’ side, Visakha Vidyalaya secured the Senior Under-19 Championship with a11-9 victory over Bishop’s College in a thrilling final.
Arani Dorabawila, Rohansa Vidyarathne and Poojani Wijesinghe excelled for Visakha while Selina Silva, Imaya Perera and Jayendri Perera stood out for Bishop’s College.
Bishop’s College claimed the Junior Girls’ Under-15 Championship by defeating Visakha 10-5. Githmini Liyanage, Hayah Mahroof and Sinalli Ratnayake were key players for Bishop’s College while Senithi Premaratne and Yesali Jayakody played well for Visakha.
Visakha’s Under-13 team had a comprehensive 10-0 victory over Gateway College Colombo and also defeated Bishop’s College 13-2. Dwanjee Jayathilake, Vinushi de Silva and Onith de Zoysa were the best performers for Visakha in this category.
Pictures by Dushmantha Mayadunne
The action that is water polo
