The Colombo Astro Hockey Turf was painted in Red and White with Ladies’ College winning the Ladies’ – Bishop’s Hockey Shield after two years. The time-honored encounter between two of the leading schools’ in Colombo took place in its 14th edition today, 29th September, amidst a packed stadium of Purple and Red.
Watch the Match Replay: Ladies’ College vs Bishop’s College | 14th Annual Hockey Encounter
Clear skies were in favour of this year’s encounter unlike the last, as the Under 17 clash took to the turf first, to kick off the day’s proceedings. The first half of the match was a tight fight between the two, particularly on the defensive ends. At the end of the first half, both teams remained goalless, leaving everything for the final 25 minutes of play.
Half time score – 0-0
A re-energized Ladies’ pack emerged from the dressing room in the second half of play, with clear signs of a tactical strategy change. Their star center half, Sulani De Silva slotted in a goal in the 25th minute to put them ahead. Sulani went on to win the Best Offensive Player awards in the Under 17 category as well as the Best Defensive Player in the Under 19 category, capping off a memorable encounter for her.
Sulani De Silva wasn’t done just yet, as she scored her second goal in the 28th minute, sealing the deal for Ladies’ College. Although the Bishopians got close to getting on the score board a couple of times, their front line couldn’t break through the strong Ladies’ defense.
Full time score – 2-0 In favour of Ladies College
Also Read: Return of the Big Matches – Water and Stick Edition
The main event, the Under 19 encounter attracted more and more red and purple shirts around the turf. At the blow off, the two sides seemed perfectly matched. Bishop’s College controlled 60% of ball possession with several scoring opportunities, especially with their Vice Captain and Defender Suada Azmys in fine form but unfortunately they failed to capitalize on the chances created during the 1st half.
Half time score – 0-0
Credit should be given to the Ladies’ Goalkeeper Suhithri Paranamanage who was instrumental in the nil all draw in the Under 19 game, which eventually helped Ladies’ College reclaim the Shield after a two-year wait. She was awarded the best Goalkeeper in the Under 19 category for her efforts in goal.
Full time score – 0-0
Speaking to ThePapare.com, Mrs. Sunethra Rupasinghe the Ladies’ College Hockey coach had this to say:
“We have been practicing since August for our Annual Encounter. All the girls played we as we planned. I should thank our school principal and vice principal for giving us immense support. I think all the players made us proud and I’m really happy about the victory.
“After two years we brought back the shield to our school. Being the Ladies’ College Hockey Coach for 14 years I’m really happy to see the transformation of both schools and I hope this friendship between both schools will remain forever”
Special Awards
- Girls Under 17 Best Goal Keeper – Dehara Senaratne (Ladies College)
- Girls Under 17 Best Offensive Player – Sulani De Silva (Ladies’ College)
- Girls Under 17 Best Defensive Player – Devthilini Fernando (Bishop’s College)
- Girls Under 19 Best Goal Keeper – Suhithri Paranamanage (Ladies’ College)
- Girls Under 19 Best Offensive Player – Devthilini Fernando (Bishop’s College)
- Girls Under 19 est Defensive Player – Sulani De Silva (Ladies’ College)
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