Ananda College topple arch rivals Nalanda College, to end a 6-year reign at the 17th Ananda – Nalanda Hockey Encounter 2018.
Replay: 17th Ananda – Nalanda Hockey Encounter 2018
The time valued Hockey Big Match between the boys in Maroon, took place today, 27th October, at the Astro Hockey Turf in its 17th edition. Nalanda College has retained the coveted shield for the past 6 years, but it was the Anandians who stood tall by 2 goals this year.
The evening started off with a leveled playing field, both teams strong on the defensive lines. However, Ananda Skipper for 2018, Koliya Jayakody and his team seemed to have a better grip on ball possession.
Both teams equipped with stellar strikers and experienced seniors in their offensive line, posted real threats off the penalties awarded to them. The boys went into lemons with no goals to their name.
Ananda College ready to break the Nalanda spell
The second half was poised with more attacking plays by both teams right off the bench. But it was in the 3rd quarter that brought dominance to the Anandians off the fourth short corner of the quarter.
Nalanda goalie, Sudara Sachintha’s dive managed to stop the ball off of Koliya Jayakody’s stick but was unfortunately bounced back to play. This could not have been an easier take for vice-captain Pasindu Jayasekara who rolled it past Sachintha’s helpless pads to record the first goal of the match.
With this goal, play was called in to the end of the third quarter.
With a clear threat in the air, Nalanda College looked scattered in the fourth quarter, losing possession of play more frequently. This was taken full advantage by the Ananda strikers.
Ravindu’s Challenge to Ananda College
Ananda Forward, Dilusha De Alwis’ fabulous play brought forth yet another opportunity, which was quickly passed to the waiting stick of the goal scorer Pasindu Jayasekara, who slapped it past the Nalanda defense securing the inevitable win.
With this, Ananda College was whistled into a historic win, breaking a 6-year streak possessed by Nalanda College.
Goal Scorer – Pasindu Jayasekara (2)
Best Player – Dilusha De Alwis (Ananda College)
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