It was real come back for Sri Lanka junior team before important semi final against Malaysia which will be played tomorrow (16) at the same venue.

Sri Lanka team led by Sajini Ratnayake had one sided affair yesterday against Chinese Taipei as they got an early lead from the first quarter which ended 23/2 and Sri Lankan lasses managed to maintain clear lead at all four quarters.

The second quarter Sri Lanka led 48-6 and opponent Chinese Taipei managed to get only 4 points. The third quarter once again Sri Lankan dominated with 66-8 and after fourth and final quarter Sri Lanka finished the game with huge margin of 83-17. However Sri Lankans played with a relaxing mood and Chinese Taipei were able to add 9 points during the last quarter which was not enough to match their opponents and win the game.

“The winning mentality after Singapore game is more important,” said Sri Lanka head coach Amalka Gunatilleka after yesterday’s game.

“I had to face lot of difficulties during the last loosing Singapore game as no good replacement on the bench. I was very disappointed about the selected team as some players are not up to the standard at this tournament which I was pointed out before this tour. However selectors gave this team and I have no choice. As the junior head coach I can brush this players but in my knowledge how can I build up the players from the start,” said coach Amalka. “My role is to plan the game and chose best players but I am not happy with this team and trying to go forward with our best effort”.

Sri Lanka will meet Malaysia in the semi final tomorrow and this is going to be a vital game for Sri Lanka. Lost to Singapore taught good lessons to us and we wanted to do less mistakes at the semi final against Malaysia. We knew Malaysia team is very experienced and they have well build up players with lot of talent but we never think about them and plan to give good fight against Malaysia, added coach Amalka.

Meanwhile chairman of the Netball Selection Committee Dhamayanthi Jayatilleka said we were disappointed not a single selector was accompanied the team on tour. I think we selected best team with committee decision and the team has to perform up to the expectations. If a player would not perform coach can use suitable replacement and that is up to coach and the team management.

The coach can not point finger to selection committee as she must prepare this team before the tour. It is very unfair for coach to put the blame to selectors after the tournament started, added chairman of selection Dhamayanthi Jayatilleka.

The group leader Singapore will meet Hong Kong in the semi final while Sri Lanka will meet group leader Malaysia in the other semi final and loosing semi finalists have to play third place game on June 17 before the grand final. The first three teams will be qualified to play next year’s World Junior Netball Championship in New Zealand.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).