HSC Blues dethrone defending champs Colombo BC for maiden title
The 16th edition of the Colombo Super League (CSL) conducted by the Colombo District Basketball Association, sponsored yet again by Leisure World Water Parks, was successfully concluded last Sunday at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. The tournament conducted for 43 days, had 58 teams participating in 6 Divisions. It was a revelation to witness Basketball played indoors, after so many years.
The Men’s ‘A’ Division final saw last year's runners- up HSC Blues dethrone defending champions Colombo BC, to claim their first ever CSL title. The game was in the balance till the 3rd quarter, but HSC Blues, with their experienced side, pulled away, wining comfortably in the end by 74- 57. Clinton Stallone of HSC Blues was named Most Val u abl e P l aye r ( MVP). HSC Blacks defeated SL Air Force SC to claim 3rd place.
The Women’s ‘A’ Division final was a one- sided affair, as defending champions Track Masters dominated surprising finalist SL Army BC, and went on to retain their title 63-32. Track Masters' seasoned veteran Kumarine De Silva was named MVP for her outstanding performance throughout the tournament. SL Air Force SC beat Contenders BC to claim 3rd place.
The Men’s ‘ B’ Division was won by Moratuwa BC ‘A’ beating Colombo BC ‘B’ 71-57. Gayan Meedeniya of Moratuwa BC was named MVP. SL Army BC ‘ B’ beat Royal BC to claim 3rd place.
The Women’s ‘B’ Division was won by Josephians BC, beating Buffaloes BC 76-34. Hiniduma Thisari of Josephians BC was named MVP. A 3rd place playoff was not held in this Division.
The Men’s ‘ C’ Division was won by Buffaloes BC ‘B’, beating Vazians BC 83-72. Lumal Soysa of Buffaloes BC ‘ B’ was named MVP. Moratuwa BC ‘ B’ beat All Greens BC ‘B’ to claim 3rd place.
The Men’s ‘ D’ Division was won by Nugegoda Cagers, beating SL Police ' C' 73- 61. Abdul Rahuman of Nugegoda Cagers was named MVP. Old Thomians BC beat KRC SC to claim 3rd place.
The Chief Guest at the finals was the newly elected President of the National Olympic Committee, Suresh Subramaniam, who pledged his support for Basketball. Leisure World Water Parks Managing Director Shammi Muthumala was the Guest-of-Honour and presented the awards.