The atmosphere in the Sugathadasa Swimming Pool Complex was charged with energy from afternoon to night, as the 19th annual LC-VV encounter had the crowds on the edge of their seats. Both the Junior and Senior matches were utterly thrilling, with the game on till the very last second of the match. Ultimately, it was Visakha Vidyalaya who took home both trophies of this encounter, winning the Senior Match while the Junior Match concluded in a draw.
It has been the first time in a long time that both team captains from Ladies’ College and Visakha Vidyalaya, Ayahna Amarasinghe and Mehansa Jayarathne, have both played the position of goalie. There were also many national caps in the water, on both teams. However, it was Ladies’ College who went in as the favourites to win, and put up a brilliant fight against the opposition, but the U-19 Match between them ended with a 15-16 score, with Visakha Vidyalaya scraping through to a victory by a single goal.
The U-15 Match proved to be a very exciting ordeal, with Ladies’ College looking for a win after a 6-year streak of their opposing team being victorious. They seemed to be dominating Visakya Vidyalaya throughout the second and third quarters of the match, being in the lead with four goals. Yet, the fourth quarter spun the match on its head as the latter was able to close the gap between them, leading the match to end in a draw.
- Can Ladies’ deny Visakha a six year streak?
- Ladies’ College start as favourites; Visakha Vidyalaya determined to bring back glory
Anuddya Abeynayake of Visakha Vidyalaya was the star player for her side, her strong shooting arm securing most of the goals for her team. Yesali Jayakody scored multiple goals alongside her teammate, Sathya Dorabawila contributing too. Also, Chanduli Rajapaksha, the goalie for this same side, made her dominance clear in the water by preventing the opposition from scoring many times.
On the other hand, Denila Robin, Anya Dias and Andrea Thirukumar all scored multiple goals for Ladies’ College, with Rehani Perera and Shanessa Adams. Thus, even though Ladies’ College seemed to have a more evenly spread team effort, Visakha Vidyalaya fought tooth and nail to equalize the score to 14 all at the end.
>>WATCH – 19th Annual LC-VV Water Polo Encounter 2024 – Preview
The Under-19 Match provided just as much excitement to the crowds, who were docked in their school colours, holding their boards and flags high to support their teams and friends. For Ladies’ College, Chishael Robin, Tharuki Kalansooriya, Aneeka Sumanatilaka, and Karishma Hewavisenti were among those who made it past the VV captain to secure goals.
At the same time, Arani Dorabawila, Poojani Wijesinghe, Rohansa Vidyarathne and Divya Aluthgama were. among those who successfully scored for the blue and yellow team. The match-up between the two schools, packed with talent, determination and power, brought the game down to the wire as the fourth quarter finished right before Karishma Hewavisenti of LC attempted a goal that may have equalled the two scores, concluding the match in a draw.
>>Photos – Visakha Vidyalaya Water Polo Team 2024
In the thrilling U-19 match, LC was able to take 30 shots, whereas VV took 41 shots, and the former had one exclusion while the latter had three. The shooting percentage was 50% to LC, and 39% to VV, yet the latter school was able to secure three penalties while the opposition successfully made 2. All in all, it was a very close game with the thinnest of margins separating the two schools, and Visakha Vidyalaya was able to bring home the trophy that Ladies’ College was unable to retain for a second consecutive year.
As the complex reverberated with loud cheers and chants in favour of both teams, it is clear how no victory can be predetermined in the world of sports. Thus, we encourage everyone to keep supporting the biggest girls’ water polo encounter in Sri Lanka.
