Semi-finalists found in women's hockey

by S.M. Jiffrey ABDEEN - Kandy Sports Corr.

Sri Lanka Navy, Sangamitta SC, Seetha Devi SC 'A' and Old Vijayans SC entered the semi-finals of the All Island Women's Seven-a-Side Hockey Tournament organised by the Old Vijayans which began at the Nandimithra International Hockey Astro Turf at Matale yesterday.

The men's inter-club tournament is in the quarter-final stage with Sri Lanka Army 'A;, Sri Lanka Police 'A', CH and FC, Sri Lanka Police 'B', Sri Lanka Air Force 'A', Sri Lanka Air Force 'B', Sri Lanka Navy 'B' and St. Paul's Recreation Club from Chennai, India having qualified for the quarter-finals.

The boys under-14 championship too has reached the quarter-final stage with Zahira, Matale, St. Thomas' College, Matale, Christ Church College, Matale and Dharmaraja College, Kandy having qualified to the quarter-finals.

In the men's championships Sri Lanka Air Force 'A' warded off a strong challenge by St. Paul's RC, Chennai before beating them 2-1, Dhammika Abayaratne and M. Mulaffer scored a goal each for the Airmen while S. Michael scored for the Indians.

A major upset in the tournament was when Sri Lanka navy scored a thrilling 1-0 win over the defending champions Seetha Devi SC in the woman' category. Centre forward Shamil John scored for navy.

Seetha Devi SC fielded a depleted side as five of their stickers are presently in Thailand representing Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup.

Results of match played yesterday are:

Men's tournament: Navy 'A' beat Air Force 'B' 2-1, Air Force 'B' beat Old Vijayans SC 2-0, Old Vijayans SC beat Gampola SC 3-0, Air Force 'A' beat Navy 'B' 3-0, St. Paul;s RC, Chennai beat Navy 'B' 1-0, St. Paul's RC beat Old Zahirians 'Golds' 1-0, Navy 'B' beat Old Zahirians 'Golds' 1-0, CH and FC beat Army 2-1, Police 'A' drew with Old Thomians SC, Matale 0-0, Police 'A' drew with Army 'B' 0-0. CH & FC beat Old Thomians SC Matale 4-0.