The glittering Alles-Gunasekera Cup made its inaugural journey to Reid Avenue to take shelter at Royal College when their Under-19 cagers scored a calculated win over Gateway College at the Henry Pedris Basketball Complex on Saturday, 17th Feb 2018.

The game got off at a terrific pace as both sides made speedy invasions into each other’s territory, with brave attempts to score.

Royal went ahead in the first quarter 18-11. Gateway tried to come back to the game in the second quarter adding 15 shoots, but Royal playing a more organised game closed with a 30-26 lead at half-time.

Both sides tried to dominate during the third quarter and the spectators witnessed a superb game of basketball, with some electrifying movements, with each school trying to improve their respective tallies.

Both sides missed some opportunities, but Royal never stopped from where they started and ended the third quarter with a lead of 40-34.

It was a ding dong battle in the final quarter, but Royal lived up to their reputation of National Schools Basketball champion and ended the game with a close 46-43 score, the proud winners of the inaugural encounter.

Chavaan De Costa of Gateway College was adjudged the Best Offensive Player while the Best Defensive Player award was won by Royal skipper Tharindu Balasuriya.

Rukshan Athapaththu of Royal College walked away with the Most Valuable Player of the Match award.

 

Inaugural Dinner

Royal College Basketball Advisory and Management Committee hosted a dinner at Royal College MAS Arena on 15th February 2018, to mark the inaugural Royal – Gateway Annual Basketball Encounter played for the Alles – Gunasekera Cup.

Players and support staff of both teams, Principal of Royal College and Chairman of Gateway College with their key school officials, members of the Joint Organising Committee, dignitaries of the RCU together with the members of the Royal College Basketball Advisory and Management Committee were present at this momentous occasion.

This dinner was aimed at building and developing camaraderie between both the teams and institutions to pave the way for a rich set of lasting traditions revolving around this prestigious encounter.