A very close tussle between the Track Masters and Navy BC kept the audience on their edge till the very last second of the game. Successful free throws at the last minute gave a lead to Track Master as they crushed the hopes of the sailors 65-68 at full time.
The game started with the traditional jump start, with Navy getting possession of the ball. Even though the Track Masters did opt for a man to man defenseSolanji Gunavijaya drew first blood off a post move. Track Masters had a few misses till Erandi Rajapakshe swished the nests to get the party started. Their defense strategy and support from the captain Benika Thalagala in stealing the ball was the strategy for that led them to hold sway in the first quarter.
Navy started the second quarter with a zone defense to elate their game against Track Masters. Inoka Sandamali of Navy scored from just inside the three point line. Jayani Ransari and Solanji Gunavijaya scored the points by passing over the double defense by Track Masters and started moving up the score board. Erandi Rajapakshe from Track Masters tried her best to etch the rebounds so that could have the second chance at the basket. But all the five players etching into one rebound made the job a tough one. Sailors led the game by two points at half time.
Halftime – Navy BC – 34 vs Track Masters – 32
Premila Fernando started the third quarter with a layup as she penetrated into a strong Track Masters defense. Track Masters maintained the man to man defense and strengthened the defense even more opting for double team at all possible times. Benika Thalagala,came to the rescue as she succeeded back to back shots. Premila Fernando followed that with a shot to give the lead back to Navy and Sanduni Bollegala scored again to strengthen the lead. But Erandi Rajapakshe successfully completed the pass from Aruni Fernando to close the quarter with only single point lead to the sailors.
Final quarter was anybody’s game, both teams were focused on becoming champions with strong defense and offense. Navy led the game till the last four minutes. Benika Thalagala scored a three pointer closing the score deficit by one, closely followed by Erandi Rajapakshe succeeding a free throw and making the scores even.At two minutes to end the game Track Masters lead the game by a point. The Last minute was a test of strength for Navy which led to a lot of fouls on their side that allowed free throws for Track Masters. Team fouls and free-throws saved the soul of the Track Masters as they returned ashore beating the mighty sailor.
Fulltime – Navy – 65 vs Track Masters – 68
ThePapare.com player of the finals – Anjalee Ekaanayake (Track Masters BC)
An excited Anjalee Ekanayake shared her thoughts, “We were aiming for the win from the beginning, but it was fabulous game though Navy team gave us a tough time on the court. But the team spirit and the support by Mr.Ajith and Mr.Selvarajah from the beginning made us win the championship”.
Navy BC team held their head high and Premila Fernando said, “We encountered a lot of misses in the first quarter, but got settled into the game by the second yet it was not one of our best days in the court. Solanji Gunavijaya who is good at scoring outside shots was down in her game today, which was one of our major disadvantages. Still Congratulations to Track Masters as they won a game between the two best teams”.
