Lankans in convincing 64-32 win

Dialog Tri Nation Netball tourney

Bernard PERERA

NETBALL: Sri Lankan Netballers playing in the first game of the Dialog Telekom Dialog Tri Nation Series against Maldives came up with a convincing 64-32 victory yesterday at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.

This game also happens to be the first game played by the National team under new coach Hyacinth Wijesinghe.

The Maldivians who showed a tremendous improvement compared to previous years opened scoring in the first minute and went onto an early lead. But the Lankans caught up with their opponents.

The locals got to a slender lead 6-5 with Maldivians too fighting all the way in the first quarter to finish in favour of Sri Lanka 11-10.

The second quarter saw the inclusion of Dharshani Sivalingam which brought in good results. Her height became a big threat to the visitors. This quarter put Sri Lanka right on top with a collection of 20 points against 9 by the Maldivians 31-19.

Maldivians tried to make a strong comeback in the third quarter. They put a strong defence and did not allow the Lankan to score heavily and contained them only to 13 while adding 9 points to their tally.

The last quarter was the worst. The Maldivians managed only four points during the whole period. Lankans made merry once again scoring 20 points to seal victory with a convincing margin 64-32.

Today Maldives meet India at 8 a.m. at the same venue.

In the evening Sri Lanka Play India at 4 p.m. and the Maldivian take on Sri Lanka Youth team at 5.30 p.m.

The final is scheduled to be played on Sunday at 4.15 p.m.