Air Force grabbed the title as champions of the Eva All Island Open Netball Tournament when they beat Net Champs from Kurunegala by a comprehensive 39 points to 19 in the final at the Air Force ground in Colombo 2 last Sunday.
The Airwomen dominated from the start and gave their rivals limited chances all the way as they scored at nearly every turn.
Thilina Wathegedera was adjudged as the most valuable player in the final.
The tournament was organized by the Western Province Netball Association that attracted a large crowd at the ground on both days of the tournament. It was a colourful gathering that enjoyed the two days of the tournament.
In the final of the men’s segment an intense competition took place between United SC from Negombo and Lions SC of Kegalle. The scoring went both ways and United SC won 23-21 to secure the championship title.
Eranga Sithara of United SC was adjudged as the most valuable player.
Air Force women also won the B division segment when they beat Jaffna SC narrowly by 21 points to 17.
Presbytarian Girls School, Dehiwala dominated the girls’ under-19 final when they defeated Siri Piyarathana BV, Padukka by a comfortable 18-8 in the final.
Mihidumi Keerthisiri of Sujatha Vidyalaya, Nugegoda was crowned as the Netball Queen for her energetic play while Baratha Ranatunga of United SC was adjudged as the Netball King for his spectacular exhibits.
Results:
Women’s Champions: Air Force
Runner UP: Net Champs, Kurunegala
Most Valuable Player: Thilini Wathegedera of Air Force
Score: 39-19
Men’s Champions: United SC of Negombo
Runners-up: Lions SC, Kegalle
Most valuable player: Eranga Sithara of United SC
Score: 23-21
‘B’ Division women’s champions: Air Force
Runners-up: Jaffna SC
Most valuable player Chamudi Wickremarathna (Air Force)
Result: 12-7
Veterans’ (women): Champions: Flying Birds SC
Runners-up: Speedbirds Birds SC
Most valuable player: Samanthi Nilushika of Flying Birds SC
Result: 17-10
Schools Division: Under-19:
Champions: Presbytarian Girls’ School, Dehiwela
Runners-up: Siri Piyarathana BV, Padukka
Most valuable player: Sahanni Dithara of PGS Dehiwela
Scores: 18-8
Schools Division: Under-17:
Champions: Sujatha Vidyalaya
Runners-up: Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya
Most valuable player: Mihidumi Kirthisiri of Sujatha Vidyalaya
Result: 22-13
Schools Divison: Under-15:
Champions: Maliyadeva BV, Kurunegala
Runners-up: Siri Piyaratana MMV, Padukka
Most Valuable Player: Hirushi Ajani of Maliyadeva BV
Result: 21-10.
(TBR)