Sandunika outstanding

by S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen

Members of reputed hockey playing schools and emerging schools won the highest awards of gold stars after the conclusion of the All Islend Schools under-13 girls schools hockey carnival organised by the Kandy District Schools Hockey Association on behalf of the Sri Lanka Schools Hockey Association played at the University grounds Peradeniya and Bogambara Stadiums Kandy.

Twenty two girls schools from all parts of the Island except North and East participated in this hockey carnival which saw no champion or finals in any events, but gold star awards presented to the top teams in each group. Only certificates were awarded to the players.

The Sports Ministry rule prevailed at the tournaments with regard to the under 13 tournament as it did not permit the selection of champions as the idea was to promote friendly contests at this age group level.

The schools which won the gold star awards were Seetha Davi Balika BV and Matale Serimavo Bandaranayake (Group B), Panadura Balika Vidyalaya Sangamitta BV, Matale (group B), Sri Sumangala BV Panadura and Presidents College Nawala, (Group C) Swarnamali BV Kandy, and Yasodara Vidyalaya Colombo (Group D), Seetha Devi BV Kandy and Matale Srimavo Bandarnaike BV (Group A) points obtained by individuals were Anushi Bandra (5), Pabodha Diviyangala (5), and Shchini Munaweera (5).

This tournament will be best remembered for the performance of President College, Nawala 13 Year Old centre forward Sandunika Chathurangi whose hard and penetrative play was above the standard of this tournament. She scored six goals in their match against D.S.Senanayake National School Ampara. This included the only hat-trick of the tournament