Dialog cagers clinch mercantile title

Dialog Axiata PLC led by Duke Rajapaksa defeated the much fancied DFCC Group in a thrilling contest to clinch the 'A' division title in the Mercantile Services BA final worked off at the Otter Aquatic Club courts recently.

The game was in the balance during the early stages, but Dialog controlled most part of the game leading in all four quarters. The scores were 20-16 end of the 1st quarter, 35-29 end of the 2nd quarter, 56-40 end of the 3rd quarter, in favour of Dialog.

DFCC produced a late rally in the final quarter as some players were sent off due to rough play. The final score was 72 points to 67 points.

Harshadewa de Silva was in fine form and was unstoppable as he scored 30 points for Dialog while skipper Duke Rajapaksa with 14 points and Asela Perera with 12 points did the bulk of the scoring.

For DFCC skipper Gayan Meedeniya and Chamath Serasinghe played well. It was a superb team effort by Dialog who pulled off this win despite some injuries to its key players.

Centre Gemunu Sandaruwan a key player in the Dialog line up was sideline with an ankle injury during the 2nd quarter of the game. The team was well handled by coach Ranura Nanayakkara by making key substitutions and tactical changes at the right time.

Earlier in the tournament Dialog overcame strong Nation Trust Bank side from a come from behind win in the semifinals while DFCC had stunned 10 time champions Sampath Bank.

Fittingly, Dialog won both special awards when Harshadewa de Silva was adjudged Man of the Final and Duke Rajapaksa picked as the Most Outstanding player of the tournament for his continuous brilliance right throughout the tournament and leadership.

In the 34 year old history of Mercantile Basketball, Dialog has marked its name as the only telecommunication sector team competing in the 'A' Division and to win it, which is dominated mainly by the banking sector comprising the cream of national level basketball players.