Rahula - Southern Province Under 17 cager champions

Anuradha Abeysekara

The Southern Province schools under 17 boys basketball tournament began on Friday at Rahula College. Eight schools from Matara and Galle Districts participated in this year's tournament. There were no entries from the Hambantota district.

Rahula College beat Dharmashoka College, (Ambalangoda) 63 points to 41 in a semi-final game while two schools from Galle, Richmond College and Mahinda College figured in the other semi-final. Richmond College beat Mahinda College by 50 points to 35 and qualified for the finals with Rahula College from the other end.

Rahula College won the finals by 55 points to 53 after a tough match against Richmond College. The half time scores were 20 points to 19 as Rahula College leading by a point. Ashan Kithulgoda (number 06) of Rahula College scored 22 points and was adjudged the best offensive player in the final Menuka (number 11) of Richmond College was the best defensive player and Shehan Pivithuru (number 11) of Rahula College was selected as the best player in the finals.

Rahula College remained unbeaten in the tournament.

Rahula College and Richmond College will participate in the 'A Division' Championship and Mahinda College and Dharmashoka College will fight it out in the 'B Division' tournament.