Seylan Bank regains mercantile ‘A’ Division league netball crown

Champion team along with Seylan Bank Sports Club Officials and Coach

Seylan Bank Netball Team emerged victorious and regained the mercantile ‘A’ Division league crown in a tightly contested final beating Hatton National Bank by 47-46.

The mercantile netball league tournament organised by the mercantile netball federation was worked out at the Campbell Park grounds on 10 and 11 October. A total of 17 teams participated in this year’s tournament. 

On their way to the final Seylan Bank beat CDB 67-28 and NTB 49-24.

The Final vs HNB was undoubtedly a keenly contested match with both teams equally balanced battling it out. The difference in score lines swayed around 2 to 3 points during the entire duration of the game. However three consecutive offensive waves ending with scores made way for the Seylan bankers to hold back the HNB’s last minute rally. The team was coached by Yamuna Sandamali an eminent personality in the netball arena of Sri Lanka.

Seylan Bank has been dominating the netball league and has won the championship for eight consecutive years from 2006 to 2013. 

During this period Seylan Bank has produced several national players which include Shanika Dilhani and Thargini Sivalingam.

Seylan team also secured the third place in the mixed netball category as well 

The winning team comprised of Shanika Dilhani (captain), Gaya Jayaweera, Tharjini Shivalingam, Jayaliya Kumari, Wasana Lakmali, Amaya Kalpani, Benika Thalagala, P.N.P. Aberathne, Gishara Nayanathara, C.A. Praneedi Mihirangi and Ayesha Malimbada.

Benica Thalagala was adjudged the best defensive player of the tournament. Gayan Samaraweera, Dharshaka Bandara, Amila Theldiniya and Anthony De Silva joined the ladies for the mixed netball category.