St. Thomas’ College Matale shattered the hopes of their Mount Lavinian counterparts as they retained the Eric Hulangamuwa Challenge Trophy, winning the annual hockey encounter between the sides 1-0 at the Astro Turf Hockey Complex this evening.
This was the second hockey encounter between the two sides as the first of its nature was played last year in Matale where the home team emerged victorious. This time around the under 19 match was held later in the evening as the visitors from Matale stepped into the game with the hope of retaining the trophy for the 2nd consecutive time.
With a great audience at the Astro Turf, the Thomians from Mount Lavinia started off the game with confidence with their main man Nallaperuma trying his luck with an early attempt at goal. With goal scoring attempts that came in quick succession, the hosts dominated the early minutes of play.
Adapting to the turf conditions proved to be somewhat tough for St. Thomas’ Matale and their attacking players took some time to settle in to the game. Attacking in the last quarters of the second half was the forward line and their efforts were successful as St. Thomas’ Matale scored their first goal off a cross ball that was deflected on to the board. (1-0)
With the goal advantage, the Matale lads showcased an impressive display in the second half when it came to ball handling and possession, depriving the Colombo lads the chance to equalize. Their perseverance in the second half got them through the 35 minutes and gave them the victory.
As the Thomians from Matale retained their silverware, T. C. S. Bandara of St. Thomas’ College Matale was adjudged the best player of the encounter by the umpiring panel.
Full-Time:
St. Thomas’ College Matale 1 – S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia 0
The U-15 clash between both schools ended up in a draw with both schools failing to score. S.Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia missed an early chance in the first half. St. Thomas’ College Matale player Chandra Hewawasam thrashed into the enemy quarter a few times in the second half but returned empty handed every time. The umpires selected S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia player D.J.Peremune as the best player of this encounter.
