The Hindu : Sport / Volleyball : Indian Bank prevails

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 11, 2007
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Sport - Volleyball

Indian Bank prevails

Special Correspondent

— Photo: S.R. Raghunathan

DESERVING WINNER: Indian Bank won a close encounter to emerge the champion.

CHENNAI: With a display that underscored the efficacy of technical excellence and tactical approach in tight situations, Indian Bank wrested the glittering Daily Thanthi Trophy from Indian Overseas Bank in an exhilarating contest that provided a grand finale to the St. Joseph's-P. John memorial all-India volleyball tournament at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Sunday.

The large holiday crowd savoured every moment of the pulsating rallies that embellished the five-set tussle. The scores in favour of Indian Bank 25-23, 17-25, 23-25, 25-21, 15-12 convey the ingredients of the cup final rather eloquently.

Determined effort

Indian Bank deserved the prize more than its renowned opponent not merely for its proficiency in all areas but also for its determination to overcome tight situations.

Trailing 1-2 after a bright start in the opening set, Indian Bank fought tooth and nail to claim the final two sets and register a memorable win.

Indian Bank had a gameplan to exploit the mid-court inadequacies of IOB. Libero Balasubramaniam was found wanting in this important area.

Whenever the rival pressed hard, the Indian Bank defence held on gallantly to convert the opportunities better.

In Indian Bank's hour of glory, high praise should go to the rangy Manoharan whose individual and joint blocks with Sayee Krishnan and Satish Kumar were simply breathtaking. However, for all-round efficiency there was none to beat Kalaivanan whose jump serves were eye-catching.

IOB was error-prone and highly inconsistent, notwithstanding the explosive spiking of Jinson Varghese and the crafty serves of southpaw Tulsi Reddy. Even Nadarajan and Raja Jacob produced some stunning shots.

Every set was a seesaw affair and the decider too was close, as IOB came back to level 11-11 after trailing 7-10. However, Indian Bank tightened up in the final minutes to romp home amidst vociferous cheers. It earned Rs. 30,000 for its efforts while IOB took home Rs. 25,000.

Railway finishes third

Southern Railway, which finished third after beating Nellai Friends 25-18, 25-19, was richer by Rs. 20,000. Nellai Friends earned Rs. 15,000.

Udayakumar of Nellai Friends was declared the best all-rounder, while Nityandam (libero) of Indian Bank and Raja Jacob (IOB) won the best attacker and promising player awards respectively.

Mr. Walter Dawaram, President, Tamil Nadu Athletics Association and Nellai Friends, gave away the prizes in the presence of Dr. Babu Manoharan, Director, St. Joseph's College of Engineering, the chief sponsor for the tournaments.

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