Visakha Vidyalaya has been the reigning queens of the M.N. Edissuriya Trophy for the past three years and look set to keep the streak going. So can the Ladies’ College bring the trophy back home which was last won by them led by Enakshi Wickramanayake?
The dominant Visakhians are leading the tally 6-3 with the very first encounter ending in a draw.
“Last year’s lost has really motivated us to do well and win this. Really worked hard to make sure we will win this year.” Nideesha Ellawala, captain of Ladies College said in a resounding tone.
The confidence of the Ladies’ captain should be commended. However they have met their opponents twice this year and have lost on both occasions.
Ladies College are without four of their seniors from last year but also have two national players in captain Nidessha Ellawala, Lara Modder and are boosted by the inclusion of two talented juniors Shenara David and Sashi Weerawarna.
“We have a very young side. So our main focus was the basics. This is a two-three year work in progress, with an eye for the future.” Ladies’ coach Awnee Razak mentioned.
This Season
“Started training early in January had a good pre-season. Had practice matches with Nalanda and Ananda.
“First tournament was age groups Championship lost to Bishop’s and Visakha. Went back did some regrouping and it worked beating Bishop’s 5-1 and had to play Visakha the same day in the final. There we lost by two goals.” Awnee talked about his sides ups and downs of the season.
“Our juniors have fared really well this season. They have gone unbeaten.” Awnee mentioned about his sides silver lining this season.
Visakhians are in good shape for the annual Waterpolo encounter ahead with the Ladies College this year. Meeting the arch rivals twice before the Visakhians have offered the taste of defeat to the Ladies’ in both the previous meetings.
Visakha Vidyalaya had put some breath taking performances in the public schools tournament and also they beat Bishop’s College in the previous encounter with a close victory of two goals.
“We started our practices in focus of the season and Ladies College encounter as early as January this year. Since then we have been working on our endurance as the game is now faster with the new rules implemented” said, skipper Aneka Abeywickarama.
Last Year
In the 10th Annual Encounter Visakha Vidyalaya defeated Ladies College 9-7.
The Vishakians stepped into the game as underdogs with pressure pounding on their sleeves against the Ladies’ side filled with momentum throughout the season. Yet, the Visakhians proving everyone’s expectations wrong, etched the winning line when the clock struck full time.
“We played the game as one unit, together with one motive on winning the game. Many people thought that we could not win the encounter but we proved if there is a will there is a way”added this year’s skipper Aneka Abeywickrama.
“Coming from a defeat is not easy. Have to take the defeat in a positive way and work towards building the side. Visakha were the better team. Certain areas, breakdowns we could have done better. It has been a gradual build up to this year.” Awnee talked about the progress from last year.
Come this Friday
Not in the mood to take it easy Aneka Abeywickrama had this to say, “All the six players in the pool are equally talented with ball skills, physical fitness and the most important factor is that we play this game as one team with one motive and that is victory for another year.”
They may have lost twice to their rivals this season, but as the results show the Ladies’ have improved and evolved throughout the season.
“One thing is for sure, we are going to attack from the first whistle and are very confident about our chances.”Awnee Razak finally told ThePapare.com.
Series Tally
|
Year |
Ladies Captain |
Visakha Captain |
Winner |
|
2004 |
Thanuja Fernando |
Harshini Warnapura |
Draw |
|
2005 |
Meneka Mendis |
Romali Tudawe |
Ladies’ College |
|
2006 |
Isuri Benaragama |
Shahili Gomez |
Visakha Vidyalaya |
|
2007 |
Manisha Rajanayake |
Lukshani Rathnayke |
Visakha Vidyalaya |
|
2008 |
Gabrielle Mohomed |
Ravindi Dharmadasa |
Ladies’ College |
|
2009 |
Savera Weerasinghe |
Charindee Weerasinghe |
Visakha Vidyalaya |
|
2010 |
Enakshi Wickramanayake |
Elisha Gomez |
Ladies’ College |
|
2011 |
Sachini Rajanayake |
Shivani Gunawardena |
Visakha Vidyalaya |
|
2012 |
Dharithri Amarasekara |
Limashi Kosgodage |
Visakha Vidyalaya |
|
2013 |
Haiqa Mohomed |
Thusari Ekanayake |
Visakha Vidyalaya |
Full collection of Photographs of the team
Ladies’ College Squad
1. Nideesha Ellawala (Captain)
2. Lara Modder (Vice Captain)
3. Anoushka Tissera
4. Athulya Medagoda.
5. Shenelle Wickramanayaka
6. Shehara Kannangara
7. Nimashi Perera
8. Ashmitha Cooray
9. Shenara David
10. Sashi Weerawarna
11. Dunyasha Hewagama
12. Umesha Wickramamsighe
13. Anika Varia
Full collection of Photographs of the team
Visakha Vidyalaya Squad
1. Aneka Abeywickrema (Captain)
2. Nuwanthi Mannapperuma (Vice Captain)
3. Samaakhya Gajanayake
4. Shaleena Peiris
5. Maneka Dedigama
6. Akshana Perera
7. Avishka Dedigama
8. Chamathi Perera
9. Tusari Ekanayake
10. Bulani Perera
11. Sanuri Trikawalagoda
12. Limashi Kosgodage
13. Nadishka Senanayake
Live Streaming will commence 2.30pm on www.thepapare.com
