HNB retains Netball Nationals for sixth year

By Susil Premalal reporting from Wennappuwa

The star-studded Hatton National Bank (HNB) team retained the 2024 Dialog Netball Nationals for the sixth successive year when they edged out Air Force SC 40-39 in the final played at the Albert F. Peiris Stadium in Wennappuwa.

A total of 26 teams participated in this tournament, which was conducted by the Netball Federation of Sri Lanka.

Last year's runners-up, Air Force SC, produced an improved performance this time and managed to build up a 12-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.

However, HNB snatched the lead 14-10 in the second quarter, while the third and fourth quarters ended in a draw, 10-10 and 7-7, respectively.

Earlier, in the semi-finals, Air Force SC beat Navy SC 42-22, and HNB outplayed Sri Lanka Ports Authority 48-28.

In the quarter-finals, Air Force beat Army SC 25-8, Navy SC beat Kurunegala DA 25-8, HNB beat Kotelawala Defence University 31-7, and Sri Lanka Ports Authority beat Holy Family Convent, Kalutara 35-17.

Meanwhile, Navy SC beat Sri Lanka Ports Authority 61-49 in the consolation final.

The HNB Netball Team: Gayanjali Amarawansa (Captain), Dharshika Abewickrama, Dulangi Wannithilake, Hazeena Abdul, Sunamya Welagedara, Gayani Dissanayaka, Imesha Subasinghe, Hansi Bandara, Charini Mendis, Udani Ariyarathna, and Limanga de Zoysa.

Special awards:

Best Centre: Rukshala Hapuarachchi (Air Force)

Best Shooter: Dharshika Abewickrama (HNB)

Best Defensive Player: Sureka Perera (Air Force)

2024 Netball Queen: Rashmi Diwyanjali (Air Force)