Sampath Bank edge out Delmege Group to take Men's 'A' Division Cager title

Sanjaya Ariyaratne

Sampath Bank staged a superb late rally to register a thrilling 72 points to 71 victory over defending champions Delmege Group in the final of the men's `A' division MSBA Knock out Tournament concluded at Otters Aquatic Club, courts on Friday. The tournament was conducted by the Mercantile Services Basketball Association (MSBA).

The Delmege Group took a close 37 points to 34 lead at half time but failed to consolidate their position in the latter stages. Both teams were studded with a number of top Sri Lanka cagers. National cap Virantha Bastian (23) and Thisara Chathuranga (21) were the best shooters for the winners while Roshan Randima and Prageeth Pushpakumara both national players with 13 points each were the chief scorers for Delmege.

In the mens' 'B' division final Akbar Brothers beat Hatton National Bank by 76 points to 71.

In the men's 'C' division final Dialog Telekom 'B' posted a 67 points to 60 win over SriLankan Airlines played at Otters.

Avant Gard Security Services team got the better of Nations Trust Bank 'B' team by 75 points to 74 to win the men's' 'D' division final.

Seylan Bank defeated Hatton National Bank by 73 points to 60 to clinch the first women's 'A' division knock out title.

The women knock out tournament was conducted for the first time by MSBA. In the womens' 'B' division final SriLankan Airlines trounced Mobitel by 59 points to 25.

Thisara Chathuranga of Sampath Bank was fittingly adjudged the most outstanding player of mens 'A' division while his team mate Virantha Bastian carried away the award for the man of the final. Sanketha Jayaratne (Akbar Brothers)- men's 'B' division, Mafaz Mohideen (Dialog Telekom)- men's 'C' division, Shiyan Doole (Avant Gard)- men's `D' division, were the most outstanding players of the respective divisions.

Erandi Gallage of Hatton National Bank was adjudged the most outstanding player in women's 'A' division while Manori Hettiarachchi (Srilankan Airlines) took the best player's award in the women's 'B' division.