Defence Services, Schools joint champs

SAMPATH BANDARA

Defence Services HA and Sri Lanka School HA were declared as joint champions at the 19th Women’s National Hockey Championships when the final ended in a goal less draw at Bambalapitiya Police Ground yesterday.

Sri Lanka Schools HA entered the final beating Kandy team two goals to one in the first semi-final while the Defence Services HA moved to the final defeating Colombo HA four goals to three in the second semi final. Kandy HA ended as second runner-up defeating Colombo HA two goals to one.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka Schools’ ‘Gold’ emerged as champions in the 37th Junior National (Men’s) Hockey Championships beating Colombo HA three goals to nil the final which was played at same venue.

K.M. Ananda, G. Dias and Pasan Wijewardena scored goals for the winners. In the first semi-final, Sri Lanka Schools ‘Gold’ beat Wennappuwa HA by one goal to nil, and in the second semi-final Colombo HA beat Matale HA by three goals to two to enter Men’s final.

Matale overcame Wennappuwa HA one goal to nil to secure the third place. The 19th Women’s National Hockey Championships and 37th Junior National Men’s Championships were conducted by the Hockey Federation of Sri Lanka.

Mrs. Ayoma Rajapaksa, wife of Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was the chief guest.