Dharmaratne in her dancing shoes sparkled at the Padang

It was no surprise that Madura Dharmaratne had all the moves on the dance floor. The Sri Lanka National Women’s Hockey Captain who, at centre-half, is the fulcrum of the team, was the 'Belle of the Ball' as she was judged Best ‘Baila’ Dancer at the Malay ‘Padang’ last week.

Dharmaratne was the centre of attention at a felicitation dinner held by the Colombo Malay Cricket Club (CMCC) to honour its Women’s team which last year won the Colombo Hockey Association (CHA) League on its debut appearance.

“I didn’t know this was such a key moment in the history of this Club- winning a title after almost 50 years. I’m very proud to be associated with this feat,” Dharmaratne said, as she and her teammates were feted by the Malay community.

An immensely talented player with exceptional skills, both in attack and defence, Dharmaratne was at the heart of the CMCC Women’s team which won the League unbeaten and with the enviable record of not conceding a goal in its maiden campaign.

“We played as a team, that was the key to our success,” beamed Dharmaratne. “A number of our players also belong to the National pool and hence, benefited from having trained together for a long time.”

Like her, the core of the team comprised of players from Seetha Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Kandy. Another was goalkeeper Sakunthala Illeperuma. The softspoken Sabaragamuwa University undergraduate said, “Good understanding between our players helped make it easier to have an impregnable defence that did not concede a goal.”

It was the first time ever, that the CMCC had fielded a Women’s Hockey team. Founded in 1872 by Cricketloving members, the Club first played Hockey in 1909, and was a founder-member of the CHA in 1955.

It won its first silverware in 1966, when the Men’s Hockey team accomplished the ' Double', by winning the Pioneer Shield and the Bacon Cup.

But, since 1971 ( winning the Pioneer Shield again) the CMCC has had a lean period until Dharmaratne and her ' dancing shoes' graced the team.

“Success was down to hard work, dedication and commitment of the players. We applaud them for bringing honour to the Club,” said CMCC President Irfan Allang who, along with Chief Guest Hamza Deen, presided at the felicitation ceremony.