Army Men and Navy Women take Hockey titles
SL Army’A’ and Navy ‘A’ lifted the men’ s and women’s hockey titles respectively at the 17th Vijaya open all island inter club hockey 7s 2016 concluded at Edward Park hockey ground in Matale.
The two day Hockey fiesta conducted by Matale Old Vijayans sport club saw 32 teams taking part in the men’s club championship and six in the women’s championship.
In the men’s final Army “A” beat Air Force “A” 3 goals to 1 to annex the title. Rajeewa Kulathunaga netted two goals and H.M.T.R Hendeniya claimed one for the champions while the losers solitary goal was scored by K.T.M Fernando. On the way to the finals Army “A” beat Wennapuwa 3 – 0 and Air Force “A” outplayed Air Force “B” 1 – 0 in the respective semi-finals.
The champions Army “A” received Old Vijayans’ challenge cup and a cash award of Rs. 50000 while Air Force “A” who wereArAAAers up walked away with a trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 25000.
Men’s best player : K.J. Keerthi Kumara (Army “A”)
Best Goal keeper: Chamalka Fernando Air Force “A”
Navy “A” women posted a 2 – 1 win over Air Force to take away Vijayans challenge trophy for women and a cash award of Rs. 25000.
For the champions Buddika Gunarathna and Madushani Jayaneththi fired a goal each while Susanthika Themiyadasa netted the only goal for Air Force. In the semi finals Navy “A” ( Chathurika Wijesooriya, M, Jayaneththi, B. Gunarathna a goal each) beat Navy “B” 4 – 0 while Air Force outplayed Army 1 – 0 on penalties after a scoreless draw at full time to enter the finals. Navy “A” bagged both awards for the women’s best player and best goal keeper.
Best player : Madura Dharmarathna
Best Goal keeper: Jeewanthika Keerthirathna
Women's champions Navy "A" team: Standing from left M.A,M Ashrof (Coach), Anandi Rajapaklsha (C), Chathurika Wijesooriya, B. Gunarathna, J. Keerthirathna, G. Damayanthi, N. Dissanayake, G.P Nilmini, M. Jayaneththi, M.V. Dharmarathna, P.C.N Serasingha (Trainer)
Captain of Army 'A' Keerthi Kumara receiving old Vijayans challenge trophy from the chief guest Major General Shawendra Silva
Men's champions Army "A"' with the chief guest and other invitees