Moratuwa University hockey champs

Lasitha MANCHANAYAKE

The University of Moratuwa (UOM) stickers held their nerves in an enthralling penalty strokes competition which lasted almost an hour to win the Inter University hockey championship 10-9 beating university of Colombo recently.

The scores were tied even after the five series competition 4-4 and single series of strokes were needed till the tie was broken. The two captains took on the responsibilities and either one of them never looked like giving up to their counterparts. The Mora captain Nadeesha Fernando never looked like missing a penalty stroke keeping his cool in front of goal and put in seven strokes in to the goal with ease. Finally the tie was broken by a heroic save from the third goalkeeper used by the UOM side who dove to his left by anticipating the side, the ball was coming to.

In regular time both teams couldn't manage to sound the board as both defenses held tight. Especially a determined Colombo goalkeeper managed to pull off 2 miraculous saves to keep them in the game while marshaling the backs around him. Clearly the heat was telling on both teams as after regular time it looked like the players couldn't even keep standing anymore.

Both teams played their hearts out and gave more than hundred percent in the field but a result was not to be in regular time. It was a fitting end to a perfect tournament for Mora as they gained revenge for last year and lifted the Inter University Men's Hockey Championship. In the Consolation final a superior J'pura team beat Pera 2 goals to nil.

Earlier in the semifinals university of Colombo beat university of Sri Jayewardenepura 1-0 to reach the finals. The SJP side looked a much more formidable lineup but didn't live up to its potential and lacked the team effort to make the difference. In the other semifinal Mora side showed why they are worthy finalists by coming from behind to beat the university of Peradeniya side 3-1. At half time Pera were leading and it looked like Mora were going to miss out on a final yet again. But it was not to be as the Mora stickers showed their character and came out all guns blazing in the second half.

They defended well in pairs and finally made all the possession count by scoring 3 goals to beat Peradeniya. Hareendra Herath scored the first goal for Mora from a penalty corner while skipper Nadeesha Fernando scored the goal to put Mora ahead. Finally in the dying stages Dinusha Amarathunga put the final nail in the coffin for Peradeniya by scoring the 3rd goal.