Maliyadeva Balika bags three titles to reign supreme

Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya Kurunegala proved their supremacy once again by winning overall champions at the 31st Sri Lanka Schools Milo Netball Championship, which concluded at Uyanwatte Stadium Matara yesterday.

Maliyadeva BV won three championships: under 19, under 15, and under 13, showcasing their power to gain overall championship for the second consecutive year. Nestlé Lanka Milo sponsored this tournament for the 31st successive time, while the Schools Netball Association conducted this three-day event with the participation of over 4000 players from all over the country.

The most thrilling Under 19 ‘A’ division final between Maliyadeva Balika and HFC Kalutara ended with a thrilling 1-point lead for Maliyadeva, but both teams showed great fighting spirit throughout the final. At one stage, HFC Kalutara took the lead, but the Maliyadeva girls fought back strongly to win the title with a score of 40-39. Maliyadeva Girls shooter Bhashini Udagedera was adjudged the Best Player of the Under 19 tournament.

The Under 17 ‘A’ division final was won by Mahamaya Balika Kandy, defeating Hillwood College Kandy with a score of 32-23, while the Under 15 final was won by Maliyadeva girls, defeating Samudradevi BV Nugegoda 22-8.

Maliyadeva’s Under 13 team won the ‘A’ division championship, defeating Devi Balika Colombo by 8-6.

The overall champions, Maliyadeva lasses, gained 30 points, while Hillwood College Kandy placed overall second with 17 points, and third place was won by Devi Balika Colombo with 13 points.

Sheyara Dhahamsi Wijesuriya of Maliyadeva was named Best Player of the Under 13 category, while the Under 15 Best Player award was won by Senumi Nimansa of Maliyadeva. Ayodya Alawattegama of Mahamaya won the Under 17 Best Player award.

Meanwhile, the ‘B’ division overall championship was won by Gattuwana Mahinda Vidyalaya with 17 points. The President of the Schools Netball Association, Nirodha Abeywickrama, stated that this tournament provided a good opportunity to showcase school netball talent.

Bernhard Stefan, Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka, was the chief guest at the presentation ceremony, while Mohamed Ali, Director – Dairy and Beverages, Nestlé Lanka, Sajeewa Wickremasinghe, Head of Sponsorships and Activations at Nestlé Lanka, Schools Netball Association President Nirodha Abeywickrama, and Asian Netball President Victoria Lakshmi also graced the occasion.

Results (A division) Semi finals

Under 19: HFC Kalutara beat Devi BV 26-25, Maliyadeva BV beat Museaus 31-24

Under 17: Mahamaya Kandy beat Vishaka Colombo 34-16, Hillwood Kandy beat Museaus College 24-18

Under 15: Maliyadeva BV beat Samudradevi BV Nugegoda 22-8, Anula BV Nugegoda Hillwood Kandy 14-9

Under 13: Devi BV beat Samudradevi BV 10-4, Maliyadeva BV beat Hillwood Kandy 16-4

Finals (A division)

Under 19: Maliyadeva beat HFC Kalutara 40-39

Under 17: Mahamaya Kandy beat Hillwood Kandy 32-23

Under 15: Maliyadeva BV beat 1 Anula BV 21-11

Under 13: Maliyadeva beat Devi BV beat 8/6