St Mary's High School retained the Al Diyafah inter-school boys' basketball title yesterday.
In the final at the Al Diyafah School courts, St Mary's defeated The Indian High School (TIHS), Dubai 27-24 in a keenly-fought final.
TIHS, who had finished runners-up last year, made a gallant effort to stop the champions.
However, Luke Fernando and Mark Vinces of St Mary's guided their team to victory, scoring seven points each. Luke's effort helped him bag the best player's award.
TIHS' assault was led by their star player Padampath Bhatia and Romy Lobo.
Padampath, who won the best player award, scored 14 points while Lobo chipped in with eight points.
Earlier in the semifinal, St Mary's defeated Oxford School 18-8.
Yousuf Adil starred for the winners, scoring 11 points, while Abid Al Rahman scored five points for Oxford.
The semifinal between The Indian High School and Westminster proved an exciting clash with TIHS edging out Westminster 22-19.
It was Padampath, who emerged as the hero in that match with 13 points.
Joe Bourgi, who was adjudged most promising player, scored eight points for Westminster.
Westminster had began in an emphatic fashion with a 27-6 win over Emirates English Speaking School.
Oxford School, too, started well, beating Al Diyafah School 27-4 and Al Sadiq School 24-4, but failed to carry on the momentum.
Rocky W. Miller, Principal of Al Diyafah School, gave away the prizes in the presence of Aby John, chief co-ordinator of the event.
