De Mazenod in thrilling win

Sanjaya Ariyaratne

De Mazenod College, Kandana began their campaign after a close win over St. Peter's College by a margin of 64 points to 63 on the opening day of their Boys A Division All Island Inter Schools Basketball Tournament played at S. Thomas' College courts, Mount Lavinia, yesterday.

The tournament is conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Basketball Association is being played at another three venues namely D.S. Senanayake College, St. Benedict's College, Kotahena and St. Joseph's College.

At the half time scores were deadlocked at 31 points all. For the winners Nipun (18), Sahen (15) and Sujith (14) were the best shooters while Lakshan (22), Shenal Dias (17) and Mafaz with 10 points shone for St. Peter's College.

St. Michael's College, Batticaloa upset D.S. Senanayake College by 49 points to 26 after taking a thumping 21 points to six points lead at breather played at D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo, yesterday.

Timothy (20) and Ravi were the top scorers for the winners while Danuke de Silva (20) and Sidath Ratnayake with four points was on target for D.S. Senanayake College.

K. Dureshi played a massive role for Asian International School's win over St. Benedict's College after a keen tussle (80 points to 73) played at St. Benedict's College courts, Kotahena. He accumulated a mammoth 45 points who was ably helped by H. Ahmed scoring 14 points.

AIS came back stirringly in the second half as they were trailing 28 points to 38 at the short whistle. For the losers Kanishka Perera (28) and Haren Malsha (11) stood out.

St. Anne's College, Kurunegala posted a convincing 75 points to 46 triumph over Royal College after being ahead with 47 points to 37 at half time played at St. Joseph's College.

Some of the matches scheduled for yesterday had to be postponed due to bad weather.