The Interuniversity Netball Championship of the 15th Sri Lanka University Games was concluded successfully at the Rajarata University Sports Grounds recently. The tournament was brought to life with the participation of all (16) state-owned universities, and the event saw some thrilling games with nail-biting finishes for over a week’s time. At the end of the tournament, Sabaragamuwa girls showcased their grit and grace to clinch the championship glory by defeating the defending champions from J’pura.
In the preliminary round of the tournament, the teams were drawn into four groups as follows.
Group A – University of Sri Jayawardhanepura, Jaffna University, Eastern University, University of Vavuniya
Group B – Sabaragamuwa University, Wayamba University, South Eastern University, University of the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA)
Group C – University of Peradeniya, University of Moratuwa, Rajarata University, University of Ruhuna
Group D – University of Kelaniya, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Uva Wellassa University
In the preliminary round, the University of Sri Jayawardhanepura, Sabaragamuwa University, the University of Kelaniya and the University of Moratuwa stayed unbeaten and marched into the quarterfinals as the group tops. Along with them, the University of Peradeniya, the University of Colombo, Wayamba University and Jaffna University also secured their places in the next round by being the runners-up of each group.
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In the quarterfinals, the University of Sri Jayawardhanepura, Sabaragamuwa University and the University of Kelaniya continued their fine rhythm with an unbeaten streak to advance into the semifinals. Meanwhile, the lasses from Jaffna University stunned the unbeaten and one of the tournament favourites, the University of Moratuwa, by shattering the tournament predictions.
In the semifinals, last year’s finalists, the University of Sri Jayawardhanepura and Sabaragamuwa University, cruised into the final, leaving room for another exciting battle. During the final, the determined J’pura ladies showcased a spirited performance as the defending champions, but the lasses from Sabaragamuwa resisted well and were in search of revenge for last year’s defeat. During this intense battle the finest level of competition was laid in every pass, every shoot, and every defence. Finally, the Sabaragamuwa ladies had the last laugh as they managed to edge out the defending champions to rewrite history.
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This breakthrough victory is a testament to the leadership of their captain and the senior player Ishara Sewwandi, while Sadisna Ranasinghe also contributed remarkably as the vice captain. The champion side trained under the watchful eyes of the head coach, Malindu Yasmitha, and Akila Vidanage (assistant coach and trainer).
Preliminary Round Results
- University of Sri Jayawardhanepura 28 – 22 Jaffna University
- University of Sri Jayawardhanepura 50 – 08 Eastern University
- University of Sri Jayawardhanepura 51 – 01 University of Vavuniya
- Eastern University 07 – 32 Jaffna University
- University of Vavuniya 02 – 53 Jaffna University
- Eastern University beat University of Vavuniya
- Sabaragamuwa University 64 – 04 VPA
- Sabaragamuwa University 72 – 03 South Eastern University
- Sabaragamuwa University 50 – 13 Wayamba University
- VPA beat South Eastern University
- Wayamba University beat South Eastern University
- Wayamba University beat VPA
- University of Moratuwa 28 – 21 Rajarata University
- University of Peradeniya 32 – 11 University of Ruhuna
- University of Peradeniya 38 – 22 Rajarata University
- University of Moratuwa 26 – 26 University of Peradeniya
- (University of Moratuwa won after extra time 35 – 34)
- Rajarata University 29 – 24 University of Ruhuna
- University of Moratuwa beat University of Ruhuna
- Uva Wellassa University 39 08 Gampaha Wickramarachchi University
- University of Colombo 34 18 Uva Wellassa University
- University of Kelaniya 58 07 Gampaha Wickramarachchi University
- University of Kelaniya 31 29 University of Colombo
- University of Kelaniya beat Uva Wellassa University
- University of Colombo beat Gampaha Wickramarachchi University
Quarter Finals
- University of Sri Jayawardhanepura 30 – 24 University of Peradeniya
- Sabaragamuwa University 46 – 29 University of Colombo
- University of Kelaniya beat Wayamba University
- University of Jaffna beat University of Moratuwa
Semifinals
- University of Sri Jayawardhanepura 40 – 18 University of Kelaniya
- Sabaragamuwa University 36 – 26 University of Jaffna
Third place
- University of Jaffna beat University of Kelaniya
The Final
- University of Sri Jayawardhanepura 52 – 58 Sabaragamuwa University
The Champions – Sabaragamuwa University
1st Runners-up – University of Sri Jayawardhanepura
2nd runners-up – University of Jaffna
3rd runners-up – University of Kelaniya
 state-owned universities, and the event saw some thrilling games with nail-biting finishes for over a week’s time. At the end of the tournament, Sabaragamuwa girls showcased their grit and grace to clinch the championship glory by defeating the defending champions from J’pura.){kind=link}