Park Sports Club hockey champions

Aloka Bandara DISSANAYAKA - Dambulla Spl. Corr.

Matale is a very famous city for the game of hockey for several decades. Old Malwatte Sports Club which was formed 39 years ago organised for the first time a hockey tournament and it was held recently at Matale Edward Park Hockey grounds.

At this hockey tournament which was held for the men's veteran over 40, Park Sports Club, Matale emerged champions. The final match was between Park Sports Club, Matale and Malwatte Sports Club team.

The Park Sports Club team won by one goal to nil. This goal was scored by Indrawansa Herath of Park SC team.

The winning team was captained by Thilak Wimalasinghe while the runner-up Malwatte Sports Club team was led by Milton Gunawardana.

Vijaya Sports Club, Matale and Zahira Sports Club fought for the third place.

At full time there was no scoring. But Vijaya won by 1-0 goal from a penalty shoot out.

Vijaya team was captained by Leslie Themiyadasa. At this tournament experienced Indrawansa Herath (Park) and Milton Gunawardana (Malwatte) were adjudged the best players.

The chief guest at this veterans hockey tournament was Major General A.S.M. Zahir of Sri Lanka Army and the President of Malwatta Sports Club U.L.M. Lathib and Secretary Sarath Jayatunga also were present on the occasion.

At this ceremony four veteran hockey players who had won Sri Lanka Colours were also felicitated. They were Ranjith Wijekoon, a famous hockey player of Sri Lanka in the 60's decade who had represented Sri Lanka team and Asian Hockey Team, Sarath Wimalasinghe and Tilak Wimalasinghe who were former captains of Sri Lanka teams.

Several veteran experienced hockey players took part at this hockey carnival. The President of Malwatta Sports Club U.L.M. Lathib told Daily News that they have decided to hold hockey tournaments for veteran hockey players islandwide from 2009 onwards.