Army and SLPA win Munchee Trophy

Bernard PERERA

VOLLEYBALL: Sri Lanka Army became the Munchee Trophy National Volleyball Champions in the men's category when they beat Sri Lanka Air Force spikers three sets to one (25-23, 17-25, 36-34), 26-24) at Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in front of a large gathering.

Soldiers won the first set at 25-23 but the Airmen fought back to win the next set comfortably to level (25-17) 1-1. Never say die Soldiers came up with a superlative performance to win the following two sets 36-34 and 26-24 to seal victory for the Army.

The third set was the best seen daring the whole tournament as this particular set moved as a pendulum and going on longest time as it ended only after going past the 36 point mark. This could be recorded as the longest set played here.

President of SLVBF Dilan Perera was the chief guest on the occasion and gave away the awards.

Sri Lanka Ports Authority women spikers made strong fight back to win the Munchee National Volleyball Championship yesterday beating NYSC Casual Line 3-1 (25-22, 19-25, 25-21, 25-21).

SLPA Girls won the first set after getting into the lead from the start and finished at 25-22. The second set begun with Casual Line girls fought a gallant battle to level at 25-19. They never gave an opportunity for Port girls a chance to come to terms.

The third set began and the Port Girls got off to a flying start and were leading 14-6. At this stage Casual Line Girls collecting six consecutive points reduced the lead and were doing well. But spikers from the Port did not allow their opponents to make good use of the opportunity and went onto win the set 25-21 and led 2-1.

They continued this form in the next set to follow and made sure of the title. At the half way mark of the set Casual Line spikers put a strong fight back collecting five points but that was too late and the Port Girls won the set at 25-21 to seal victory and to clinch the Munchee Trophy and the cash award of Rs. 100,000.