Gateway College Colombo (GCC) and Gateway College Kandy (GCK) delivered an unmatched performance at the Inter-International Schools Under-20 Girls’ Netball Championship 2025, organized by Ilma International School.
Defending champions GCC kicked off their title defense with a strong 8-4 victory over the highly-rated Lyceum College Wattala, securing their place at the top of Group A. Meanwhile, GCK dominated Group D, defeating Lyceum Panadura 12-2 and Stafford International School 13-5.
Special Award Winners
In the knockout stage, GCC recorded the tournament’s highest score, overwhelming Asian International School 19-1, setting up a semifinal clash against a formidable British School Colombo. They rose to the challenge with an 18-10 victory. On the other side, GCK showcased their strength, defeating Lyceum Nugegoda 17-1 in the quarterfinals before edging out Lyceum Wattala 15-10 in the semis.
The grand finale was a repeat of last year’s all-Gateway showdown, with GCC and GCK battling for the title in a nail-biting match. In a dramatic finish, Gateway College Colombo edged out Gateway College Kandy 13-12, reclaiming the championship trophy by the slimmest of margins.
Special awards and outstanding players
Adding to their triumph, all special awards were claimed by Gateway College players, showcasing their dominance on the court:
Best Shooter – Mayumi Liyanage (GCC)
Netball Queen – ShenoshiAbeywardene (GCC)
Best Defensive Player – Hiruni Kotuwegedara (GCK)
Best Centre Court Player – SavinyaNavarathne (GCK)
GCC Captain Onadhi Samarakoon and Vice CaptainTharuki Perera led their team with exceptional skill, supported by the dynamic performances of Cloe Thilakaratne and Shwetha Kalubowila, who played a crucial role in keeping their opponents at bay.
Contributing to the team’s success with strong support were Sauni Jayasiri, Marrise Fernando, Kushali Abeywickrema, Natalie Fernando, Thashara Wijesinghe, and Aysha Ali.
For GCK, Captain Chanulya Rajapakse, along with Azka Rushdi and Haram Song, brought energy and determination to the court.
They were well-supported by Vice Captains Devki Divagaran and Risali Karunaratne, as well as key players Aishwarie Jayawardene, Nehara Bandara, GyathmaWijayathilaka, Maneesha Rathnayake, and Thamasha de Silva, all of whom played vital roles in the team’s impressive performance. With back-to-back victories and a display of unmatched skill, Gateway Colleges reaffirm their status as a powerhouse in International School Netball.
Gateway continues their winning streak
Earlier this month, Gateway College Colombo continued their dominance by successfully defending the Nirmali Wickremesinghe Challenge Trophy, defeating Ladies’ College 26-18 at their annual encounter, held at the Ladies’ College grounds.
Onadhi Samarakoon, the Captain of Gatewaywas recognized to be the Netball Queen. ShenoshiAbeywardene(Gateway) and Tesara Fernando (Ladies) won awards for being the Best Centre Court Player and the Best Shooter.
The event also featured a mixed Under-16 match between the Reds and Blues and a game between past students from both schools.
