Gateway College defeated Ladies’ College 18-26 to retain the Nirmali Wickremesinghe Challenge Trophy at the 2nd Annual Ladies’ v Gateway Netball Encounter (9th Jan) played at the Ladies’ College Grounds.
Holder’s Gateway took an early 0-3 lead but Ladies’ fought back to make it 3-3 as the 1st quarter ended 4-4. Ladies’ scored 1st in the 2nd quarter to lead 5-4 but Gateway finished the quarter on a high to lead 6-9 (2-5) at half time.
Ladies’ went on a 7-3 scoring run to begin the 3rd quarter and took the lead at 13-12. However, Gateway led by their skipper Onadhi Samarakoon, just as they did in the 2nd quarter, scored 4 of the next 5 goals to once again lead 14-16 (8-7).
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Ladies’ had another good start to the 4th quarter equalizing at 16-16 but as they did previously, Gateway came alive towards the latter part of the quarter with a 2-10 scoring run to end the game 18-26 (4-10) .
Both teams were good in defense but made unforced errors when in possession throughout the game. Poor execution in the attacking end cost Ladies’ a few goals while Onadhi Samarakoon’s good shooting and Shenoshi Abeywardena’s center court play led to Gateway taking the advantage.
PHOTOS
In the U16 Combined Ladies-Gateway match Ladies’-Gateway Reds defeated Ladies’-Gateway Blues 17-13. The Alumni match Gateway comfortably beat Ladies’ 23-10.
Individual Awards
Best Center Court Player – Shenoshi Abeywardena (Gateway)
Best Defensive Player – Tesara Fernando (Ladies’)
Best Shooter – Onadhi Samarakoon (Gateway)
