WENNAPPUWA CLINCH WOMEN’S U-21 HOCKEY NATIONALS

Wennappuwa HA edged-out Kandy HA 2-1 in the final to emerge champions in the inaugural Women’s Junior Under-21 Hockey Nationals which concluded at the Astro Turf in Reid Avenue yesterday. Kavindya Peiris opened scoring for Wennappuwa HA in the 24th minute and Demindu Samudra netted the second goal in the 30th minute as the winners built up a 2-0 lead at half time.

Tharuka Abeyratne scored the solitary goal for Kandy HA in the 58th minute of play.

Meanwhile, Sanjana Fernando and P. N. Kaushini both from Wennappuwa HA were named Most Outstanding Player and Best Goal Keeper of the Tournament respectively.

Earlier, in the semi-finals Wennappuwa HA edged-out Colombo HA 3-2 on penalties while Kandy HA defeated Sri Lanka Schools ‘Golds’ 3-1. In the third-place playoff match, Colombo HA beat Sri Lanka Schools ‘Golds’ 3-1.

A total of 10 teams participated in this 10-day tournament which was conducted by the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation.

Wennappuwa HA Hockey Team with the trophy PIX BY NIMALSIRI EDIRISINGHE

Action from the final between Wennappuwa HA and Kandy HA

Sanjana Fernando receiving the trophy from Chief Guest Chulananda Perera, Secretary Ministry of Sports