HNB clinch indoor netball title

Yasaratne GAMAGE

HNB netballers clinched the ‘A’ division championship by defeating Air Force SC by 46-33 in the finals ‘Inaugural Indoor Netball Championship’ held as a part of the Austasia CSN Action Sports Fieasta 2011 at Austasia Sports Arena, Thalawathugoda.

In ‘B’ division final Police SC ‘B’ team overcame Air Force by 32-29 while Commercial Bank had the better of Campbell SC in a nail biting end by 14-13.

Kotte SC won the championship in the Veteran’s event when they defeated Colombo Municipal Council by 12 -7. It was a thrilling game between Campbell SC and Police SC in the men’s netball final where the latter lost by 14-15.

Shashika Samarasinghe of HNB was adjudged the best shooter and her team-mate Kumarine Silva won the best defence award.

Airwomen Samanthi Nilukshika went away with the best centre court player award while the top award , netball queen was awarded to Gayathri Lankathilaka of HNB.

Over 50 teams took part in the two day event and enjoyed the change of environment that was provided through the Indoor Concept. However the level of competitiveness remained unchanged with very high standards of netball being played at all divisions.

The organizers said that it was very encouraging, especially with some of the best teams in the country participating and fielding their best teams for the events.

An equally eventful week-end is scheduled for the 3rd and 4th of December, where Indoor Tag Rugby, Swimming, Squash and Outdoor Six-a-side (Hardball) Cricket are expected to commence.

Closing dates for most of these events have been extended until December 2 to allow the opportunity for all interested to participate.

The Sports Fiesta will conclude on December 9, with a grand ‘Awards Night’ that will recognize all the athletes performance and will include a number of acts and performance to make the night a entertaining one.

Action Sports will continue to work tirelessly in making sure all events are undertaken to the best efforts thereby ensuring that the outcome of it will bring all together, said Shohrab Salman, Managing Director of Action Sports.