03rd July 2018 18:14:56 Hours
The 10th Defence Service Netball Tournament organized by the Sri Lanka Air Force was held from 4th to 6th April 2018 at Sri Lanka Air Force Indoor Stadium Thummulla. Army netballers historically secured the Defence Services Netball Championship - 2018 after absence of 18 years by defeating the Sri Lanka Air Force team and Sri Lanka Navy team.
The tournament was played on League Basis, In the first game Army defeated a star-studded Air Force side, which had seven current Sri Lanka players, 46-40. The opening two quarter were close, where Army edged out Air Force 11-10 & 12-10. However, the third quarter proved to be the game changer as Army took an 8-point lead with a 12-7 win (35-27). Though Air Force won the 4th quarter 11-13 they fell six points short (46-40).
Navy Team then defeated Air Force 57-49 to set-up a title decider against Army. In the title decider, Army prevailed against Navy Team in a high scoring thriller. The final score was 70-68. Army took a 5-point lead at the end of the first quarter (19-14). Navy hit back in the 2nd quarter 14-17 to reduce the lead to 2-points at 33-31.
Army restored their five-point lead winning the 3rd quarter 19-16. Even though Navy won the 4th quarter 18-20 it was not enough as Army won the championship 70-68.
Under the guidance and patronage of the Chairman Sri Lanka Army Netball Committee and Centre Commandant of Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps Brigadier Athula de Silva and also with direction and assistance of the Director General Army Sports Major General Anura Sudasingha the players showed their colours.
