Western Province continues Netball dominance in National Sports Festival

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Western Province - 42nd National Sports Festival Netball Champions
Western Province - 42nd National Sports Festival Netball Champions

Western Province defeated Central Province 55-44 in the Netball final at the 42nd National Sports Festival, held at the Indoor Stadium in Anuradhapura.

With this win Western Province keeps their winning streak intact since 2012.

In an All Star final Western Province defended the title against Central Province, with both sides boasting several national players.

Central Province’s national players comprised of national captain Gayani Dissanayake, Ruvini Yatigammana, Gayanjali Amarawansa and Thilini Waththegedara while Western Province’s national players included Thishala Algama, Chathurangi Jayasooriya, Semini Alwis, Manojika Priyadarshani, Thivanka Perera, Dulanga Dananji and Hasitha Mendis.

In a blistering opening quarter Western Province outscored Central Province 15-10 and never looked back from there.

They went on to win the 2nd quarter 14-11 and lead at half time 29-21.

The half time break never broke Western’s momentum as they extended the lead to 43-31 at the end of the 3rd quarter. With victory all but certain Western Province took a back foot in the game and although Central Province managed to win the 4th quarter 13-12 they were never a threat to the champions.

In the 3rd place match Southern Province completely out played hosts North Central Province 13-10, 17-6, 17-8 and 17-15 to win 64-39.

In the semi-finals Central Province defeated Southern Province 57-40 (10-16, 12-11, 17-06, and 18-07) even though they were down by 6 points in the 1st quarter, while Western Province demolished North Central Province 76-26 (22-04, 22-04, 16-10 & 16-08).

Best Player of the Tournament: Chathurangi Jayasooriya (Western Province)

Results

Quarter final qualifier

  • North Central Province 64-32 Uva Province

Quarter finals   

  • Western Province 84-39 Northern Province
  • Sabaragamuwa Province 43-56 North Central Province
  • Central Province 59-32 North Western Province
  • Eastern Province 14-81 Southern Province