Southern Lions - cricket champions

Anuradha Abeysekera

Southern Lions captain Jeewaka Galappaththi receives theApexChampion Trophyfrom ApexBusiness Academy(pvt)Ltd.Managing Director,Deshani Gamage

Runners up Blizzards team

Southern Lions team emerged champions beating Blizzards team in the inaugural ‘Apex Champions Trophy’, inter branch six-a-side cricket tournament final worked off among the Apex Business Academy students at the Samanala grounds, Galle recently.

Winners batted first and piled up a total of 106/ 4 including a fine half ton from O. P. Ranaoothi (53 runs) who was adjudged the Man of the Final along with captain Jeewaka Galappaththi contributed 20 runs. In contrast Blizzards team, captained by Viduranga Thuduwage was restricted to just 43 for 5 wickets in their five overs by the Southern Lions.

The Galle branch of the academy organized the tournament where 18 teams took part. The tournament was conducted in a unique format where each team consists of four boys and four girls. ‘With the aim to produce balanced academics who are enriched with good sportsmanship qualities, the tournament will be conducted annually,’ Apex Managing Director Deshani Gamage said.

Champions Southern Lions team with ‘Apex’staff

Results:

Winners: Southern Lions team (Matara branch)

Runner up: Blizzards team (Galle branch)

Special awards:

Man of the Series: Viduranga Thuduwage (Blizzards)

Women of the Series: Mudushini Liyanage (Southern Lion)

Man of the Final: O.P. Ranaboothi (Southern Lion)

Women of the Final: Safra Hussain (Blizzards)