HNB wins 72nd Mercantile Hockey Knockout Tournament

Friday, 20 September 2024 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

The 72nd edition of the Mercantile Hockey Knockout Tournament 2024 came to an exhilarating close at the Air Force Hockey Complex, Ekala with HNB ‘A’ beating MAS Holdings 4/1 in the ‘A’ division final.

HNB saw a hat trick by U.S.A. Wijesekera plus Upul Danushka added another goal to seal HNB ‘A’s’ dominance. MAS Holdings’ Ashen Weeraratne managed to score a solitary goal but it was too late and too small to stop HNB ‘A’ from lifting the trophy.

At the ‘B’ division finals, Hayleys Group edged out Seylan 3/2 in a thriller. Dilan Silva scored twice for Hayleys, while Kasun Gimhana added one more to help them secure the win. Seylan Bank put up a strong fight with J. Irshard scoring two goals.

In another encounter in the same segment HNB ‘B’ beat Orient Finance 2/1.

Commercial Bank overcame Sampath Bank in the 3rd place play off in the ‘A’ division by 4/2. Milan Ariyawanse was unstoppable, scoring three goals to lead Commercial Bank to victory, while Gihan added the fourth goal. Sampath Bank’s efforts came from goals by Oshan Ekanayake and Sachinthra Thushara, but they could not overcome Commercial Bank’s lead.