The Mercantile Basketball League which recommenced after being postponed over two weeks due to inclement weather, witnessed another unfortunate dilemma as a match was called off in the final four minutes of play.
The ‘A’ division fixture scheduled between DFCC Bank and Union Assurance PLC commenced at sharp seven with perfect weather conditions for an evening of basketball.
Roshan Randima of Union Assurance PLC drew first blood as he swished the nets off a three pointer.
Both the teams taking time to settle made the maiden quarter a low scoring one. Union Assurance PLC led the game thirteen points to seven.
The game was grasped by both the teams during the second quarter as they continued swapping fates whichpredicted a nail biting finish. DFCC trailing from behind squared the game minutes before halftime and went on to score in the next possession which gave them a two point lead as they headed into lemons.
Half Time – DFCC Bank – 23 Union Assurance PLC – 21
Union Assurance PLC rich in experience and talent got the party started as they scored in the first three possessions of the second half and turned tables around in the game. Yet the experienced campaigner Prageeth Pushpakumara holding-on, marshalled his troops and squared the game thirty three-all as they stepped into the final six hundred seconds of the game.
The final quarter was nothing short of a competitive tussle until the weather gods forced an early decision to abandon the game despite the comfortable DFCC lead. Both the teams swishing the nets at regular intervals kept on pushing either sides out of their comfort zone. DFCC led the game handsomely by over five points into the final four minutes when rain started pouring down.
Both the skippers decided to carry play on despite the slight drizzle and with just four minutes left on the clock,Srinath of Union Assurance PLC tumbled over in the starting position and it made the referees have second thoughts of the playing conditions. Game was called for another five minutes and within the five minutes the slight drizzle transformed itself into a shower which compelled the game to be called off with just four minutes remaining and a comfortable DFCC lead.
