Hatton National Bank comfortably defeated Commercial Bank 24-8 to clinch the 2016 Mercantile ‘A’ Division Netball Championship at the St.Joseph’s College Indoor Stadium, Maradana.
HNB shocked the defending champions Seylan Bank, which included star player Tharjini Sivalingam, in the semi-final of the A division 46-40 in a closely contested match, while in the other semi-final Commercial Bank defeated Sampath Bank 29-17.
In the final HNB dominated from the opening whistle winning the four quarters 9-3, 7-2, 3-2 and 5-1 respectively.
Photo Album – Mercantile Netball Tournament 2016
HNB had a star-studded side themselves with both past and present Sri Lanka players, including former captains Jayanthi Somasekaram de Silva, Sashikala Samarasinghe, Hansi Bandara and Kumarini Silva while Gayanjali Amarawansa and Darshika Abeywickrama were from the current squad.
Incidentally Gayanjali and Darshika were adjudged the ‘Queen of the Tournament’ and ‘Best Shooter’ of the tournament respectively.
In the ‘B’ Division Expo Lanka emerged champions defeating Nations Trust Bank 35-18. Singer Sri Lanka won the ‘C’ Division championship in a thrilling 16-15 victory over National Development Bank. Kanrich had it easy in the ‘D’ division final defeating Commercial Leasing 9-2 while Seylan Bank walked away with the Open Mixed Division championship winning 14-12 against Nations Trust Bank.
Kumarani Silva of HNB won the ‘Best Defender’ award. Jayaliya Kumari (Seylan Bank) and Hashini Ariyaratne (NDB) were adjudged the ‘Best Center Court Player’ and the ‘Up Coming Player of the Tournament’ respectively.
Queen of the Tournament: Gayanjal Amarawansa (HNB)
Best Shooter: Darshika Abeywickrama (HNB)
Best Defender: Kumarani Silva (HNB)
Best Center Court Player: Jayaliya Kumari (Seylan Bank)
Up Coming Player: Hashini Ariyarathne (NDB)
Best Male Player: Gayan Samaraweera (Seylan Bank)
Best Team Spirit: MAS Trading
Best Attired Team: Commercial Leasing
