St. Joseph's Girls' School retain 'A' division cager title

Sanjaya Ariyaratne

St. Joseph's Girl's School, Nugegoda retained the girls `A' division cager title for the second successive year when they overcame Sirimavo Balika Vidyalaya by 81 points to 62 in the final of the All Island Under 19 Girl's "A" Division Basketball Tournament played at St. Joseph's, courts, Nugegoda on Wednesday.

The former had an unbeaten run throughout the tournament with several convincing victories over their counterparts.

The first half was closely fought out as both teams went on scoring frequently. However Sirimavo BV took a narrow 35 points to 34 lead at half time. Solange Gunawijeya (19) was in good form for the winners who was ably supported by Dirufa Smamath and Sanduni Perera by scoring 18 points apiece. Erandi Rajapakse (22), Kalpashakya Ranasinghe (15) and Buddhika Wijenayake (13) made useful contributions for Sirimavo BV.

In the third place play off Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena ousted Visakha Vidyalaya by 57 points to 48 after snatching a close 22 points to 19 lead at the breather worked off at St. Joseph's Girls' School, Nugegoda.

Achini Muttiah (23) and Lakshika Gamage (15) were the main scorers for the winners while Anushka Kahawala (23) and Ayumi Manavadu (13) were the top scorers for the losers. Dilrufa Samath was named as the most valuable player of the tournament while her team mate Solange Gunawijaya was adjudged the best defensive player.

The best offensive cager award went to Erandi Ranasinghe of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya.

On their way to the final St. Joseph's girls beat Bishop's College 46-4, Holy Family Convent, Kurunegala 86-31, Dharmashoka College, Ambalangoda 68-14 and also beat Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena by 98 points to 45 in the semi finals.

The tournament was hosted by the St. Joseph's Girls School in collaboration with the Colombo District Basketball Association and Sri Lanka Schools Basketball Association.