Nirmali Wickremesinghe Challenge Trophy
Gateway College defeated Ladies’ College 25-21 to retain the Nirmali Wickremesinghe Challenge Trophy for the 3rd consecutive year at the Gateway College Grounds in Rathmalana.
Gateway having won the previous encounters 33-14 and 26-18 were favourites to win but were made to work hard for the win.
Hosts Gateway opened the scoring through Mayumi Liyanage before Ladies’ equalized. After missing a few attempts Mayumi scored back to back goals as Gateway led 6-3 at the halfway mark in the 1st quarter. However, a 0-4 run by the Flower Road girls saw Ladies’ take a 6-7 lead at the end of the quarter.
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Ladies’ started the 2nd quarter with a goal to make it 6-8 and at one time led 7-10. Poor shooting from Gateway allowed the visitors to extend the lead to 9-13. At the half time break Ladies’ led 12-14 (6-7).
PHOTOS
- Photos – Gateway College vs Ladies’ College – 3rd Annual Netball Encounter
- Photos – Ladies’ College vs Gateway College | 2nd Annual Netball Encounter 2025
A 3-1 scoring run saw Gateway equalize at 15-15 at the beginning of the 3rd quarter. Both teams exchanged goals and at the end of the quarter Ladies’ led 18-19 (6-5).
In the 4th and final quarter, both sides failed to score in the first 2 ½ minutes due to poor shooting. A change in fortunes and good defensive work saw Gateway go on a 3-0 run to lead 21-19. Strong mid-court play and defense allowed Gateway to extend the lead and win the encounter 25-21 (7-2).
In the alumni match Gateway defeated Ladies’ 11-5 while in the invitational match Holy Family Convent beat Gateway College Kandy 15-11.
Awards
Best Center – Shenoshi Abeywardana (Gateway)
Best Defender – Tasara Fernando (Ladies’)
Best Shooter – Mayumi Liyanage (Gateway)
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