Review by Parinda Ratnayake
Trinity College Basketball teams have once again asserted their dominance on the hills, securing both the U20 and U17 Provincial Titles in an impressive display of talent and skill. The Central Province Championship, organized by the Department of Education, witnessed fierce competition at the St. Anthony’s Girls’ College Basketball Court on the 29th and 30th of July.
The U20 team reclaimed the Central Province Championship after a decade-long hiatus, celebrating their triumphant return to the top. Meanwhile, the junior U17 team continued their remarkable streak, securing a “three-peat” by clinching the provincial championships for the third consecutive time.
Facing off against Gateway College, Kandy, in the finals, both Trinity teams delivered stunning performances. The juniors left no room for doubt as they steamrolled their opponents, delivering an emphatic 54-5 victory. On the other hand, the seniors maintained a firm grip on the game, establishing a comfortable 38-15 lead in a low-scoring affair.
The U20 Finals’ Most Valuable Player title was awarded to Trinity’s Skipper, Master Senuja Godaliyadda, for his exceptional leadership and on-court prowess. Meanwhile, Master Savitha Gunawardane earned the same honor in the junior segment, proving to be a standout player in the U17 team.
The road to the finals was not without challenges, but the Trinitians displayed their sheer dominance in the semifinals. The U17 team routed St. Anthony’s College, while the U20 team convincingly defeated Kingswood College, solidifying their place in the championship games.
With these provincial victories, Trinity College has earned coveted spots at the forthcoming All-Island National Schools Basketball Tournament 2023, where they will compete against other top schools from across the country.
U20 Trinity College Basketball Team
Senuja Godaliyadda (Captain)
Parinda Ratnayake (Vice Captain)
Kevin Tennakoon
Jayageeth Basnayake
Jassim Rizvi
Aveesh Wanniarachchi
Sasitha Heenagama
Pawan Machchagama
Sanupa Jayasinghe
U17 Trinity College Basketball Team
Tinuka Jamburegoda (Captain)
Savitha Gunawardane (Vice Captain)
Sandaru Kularathne
Adriel Jayasooriya
Theesara Galgodawaththa
Sanuth Wijerathna
Lakith Sirimanne
Ravindu Herath
Sanchitha Wickrama
Thevindu Gamage
Nimesh Deen
Raviru Hitibandara
Matheesha Desilva
Lakindu Herath
The success of these talented athletes would not have been possible without the guidance and expertise of the coaching staff:
Head Coach – Mr. Susil Udukubura
Assistant Coaches – Mr. Shanith Godagama and Mr. Hamza Harish
Teachers in-Charge – Mr. Mahesh Udurawana, Ms. Sulekshmie Bambaradeniya and Ms. Thanuja Balalle.
The entire College Basketball Team, the Head Coach, and the Assistant Coaches deserve hearty congratulations for their unwavering support and dedication to the sport. Trinity College basketball continues to shine, and their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes at Trinity.
