Semi-finalists found in Central Province hockey tournament

S M Jiffrey Abdeen- Kandy Sports Correspondent

Seetha Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Kandy entered the semi-finals of the girls segment of the Central Province boys and girls under 19 nine-a-side hockey tournament organized by the Central Province Sports Ministry, by defeating Hemamali Girls College Kandy 3-0 at the Nandamithra Ekanayake International Hockey Stadium, Matale yesterday.

At half time Seetha Devi Balika Vidyalaya led 1-0. Highlight of the match was the brilliant stick work of centre forward Nilusha Weerasinghe who tore into the opponents defence to score two fine goals which was a treat to watch. She drew blood first by drawing the defence away to beat the Hemamali Girls College custodian with a power packed drive. Minutes later she scored again with a classic drive having taken play into the semi circle. The third goal was scored by young centre half 14 year old Wathsala Jayasinghe in a solo effort.

The other three girls teams to enter the semi-finals are St Anthony's Girls College, Matale Hockey Academy, and newcomers Hewaheta Central College.

The results of the matches played in the girls segment are:

St Anthony's Girls College beat Hewaheta Central College 2-0, Matale Hockey Academy drew with Seetha Devi Balika Vidyalaya 0-0, Seetha Devi BV beat Hewaheta Central College 3-0, Matale Hockey Academy beat Hewaheta Central College 3-0, St Anthony's Girls College beat Hemamali Girls College 3-0. In the segment for boys, Dharmaraja College, Kingswood College, Matale Hockey Academic and Vidyartha College have qualified to play in the semi-finals.

The results of matches played in this segment are:

Vidyartha College beat Kingswood College 1-0, Dharmaraja College beat Menikdiwela Central College 1-0, Matale Hockey Academy drew with Vidyartha 0-0, Kingswood College beat Hewaheta Central College 6-0, Matale Hockey Academy beat Hewaheta Central College 3-0, Menikdiwela Central College drew with Vidyartha College 1-1, Dharmaraja College beat Hewaheta Central College 6-0.

The finals will be worked off this afternoon with the Chief Minister of the Central Province Sarath Ekanayake as the chief guest.