Seetha Devi hold Ladsha to a draw

By S. M. Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy Sports Correspondent

Seetha Devi Sports Club, Kandy, put up a gallant display to held the strong LADSHA Hockey Academy from Uttar Pradesh in India to a one all draw in a hockey match played at the University grounds, Peradeniya. At half time Seetha Devi Sports Club led 1-0.

The first half appeared to be evenly contested with both teams displaying good stick work. Seetha Devi who are the local champions did not find things easy as their opponents especially their deep defenders put up a fine performance. A few minutes from the short blast Seetha Devi drew first blood when centre half Chathrika Wijesuriya drew the defence away and sent a pass to former Sri Lanka skipper and centre forward Shyama Kumari Ranasinghe who first pushed the ball into the semi circle to get past two players and slammed in a snorter to sound the boards.

Trailing behind 0 - 1 the visiting LADSHA played with more grit and determination in the second half to hound the local team with some spirited play to involve themselves in a great fight back. They rewarded in the 20th minute of this half when centre forward Garin Singh sent a neat pass to left extreme Shikar Singh who scored. An unfortunate incident took place in this match when a strong hit taken by a visiting player accidently struck the mouth of Seetha Davi's right half Harshanni Wickremasinghe resulting in four of her front teeth dropping on the grounds immediately as she fell down with pain. Medical officials present in the ground advised if the teeth could be found, they could be fitted back into original position. Play was held up and a massive search for the dropped teeth was made and only three of them were found. The lost teeth and the injured Harshani Wickremasinghe were rushed to the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital where surgery was performed immediately to re-plant the dropped teeth. Thanks to modern medical facilities available. C. L. Sumanaratne and Paraneetharan Nadaraja umpired.