Royal cagers too good for Cambrians

Anuradha ABEYSEKERA

Royal College, Colombo defeated Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa (53-32) in the Colombo South Zone under-19 Basketball Championship final which worked off at the Royal College courts yesterday.

Both teams battled head to head in the first half and scored equal eight points during the first quarter. Cambrians maintained a slight edge over Royalists till the later part of the second quarter, but

were dragged to the back seat just before the short whistle with Royal captain Kasun Udayanga scoring a three point from the left side. Royal posted a two point lead at halftime (17-15).

The slow rhythm of the first half was no longer their after teams changed the sides. The home team played with an aggressive offense and increased the lead in the third quarter. Cambrians were bit panic and lost their control of the game during the third quarter, could not resist the strong Royal attack. Winners added 24 points while restricting Cambrians to 10 points in the quarter. Royalists never

loosen their grip in the second half and kept opponents under control.

Losers only scored seven points in the final quarter against ten from the winners. Home team tamed the visitors with a comfortable 21-point margin in the end.

Royal captain Kasun was adjudged the most valuable player of the tournament. Kasun and Sandeepa Rathnayake top scored for winners (nine points each) in the final while Ashen Menuka (eight points) been the other best scorer of the winning team. Royal center player Rishan Rizvi was awarded the best defensive player award.

Cambrian captain Gihan Sarinda who fought fiercely and scored 15 points against Royal College was picked as the best offensive Player for his highest individual contribution in the final. Andy Ranasinghe scored six points for Cambrians.

Royal College tamed Asian International School (AIS) in the first semi final (61-40) while Prince of Wales College beat St. Peter's College in the other semi final (58-45).

The consolation final has been won by St. Peter's College, Bambalapitiya beating AIS (53-34). Peterites registered eight points lead at half time (28-20). Hiran Rodrigo and Nichula Liyanage scored

12 points each for the winners while Bevan Samuel (15 points) and Andy Ranasinghe (six points) were the best contributors for the losing team.

Sri Lanka Schools' Basketball Association Secretary Noel Cooray was the chief guest at the award ceremony and gave away the awards.