Army rally past Air Force; CEB shock Ports

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Army SC and Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) defeated Air Force SC and Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) respectively to qualify for the Men’s Super League final of the 10th Munchee National Volleyball Championship 2017.

CEB, Ports, Air Force & Army into semi finals

Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA)..

The matches were played at the Kotawila Indoor Stadium in Matara.

Air Force SC v Army SC (Men’s Super League – Semi Final 1)

Army SC defeated Air Force SC 23-25, 25-20, 25-23 & 25-20 in a pulsating encounter to qualify for the finals.

In an intense 1st set it was Air Force who took the advantage winning it 23-25. However, after a similar set where neither side were willing to surrender, Army got back on level terms winning the 2nd set 25-20.

Photo Album: Air Force v Army – Men’s Super League SF1 (Munchee National Volleyball 2017)

Army took the early lead in the 3rd set, but the two sides exchanged leads on a few occasions before the scores came to 24-22 with Army in front. Air Force made it 24-23 but Army held their own to win the set point 25-23.

Needing to win the 4th set, Air Force raced to a 6-9 lead. Air Force failed to sustain the momentum as Army, led by the overall performance of Mahesh Chandrakumar – who had a brilliant game, wiped out the deficit and won the set leading by 5 points, 25-20.  

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Ceylon Electricity Board v Ports Authority (Men’s Super League – Semi Final 2)

In a repeat of last year’s final where Ports won in 4 sets, it was CEB who avenged the defeat capitalizing on the mistakes of their opponents. The match ended 29-27, 25-20, 25-21.  

Both sides took their time in getting settled into the match but it was Ports who built up and sustained a lead. At 19-24 it seemed as if Ports would wrap the set quickly. Surprising everyone, CEB took advantage of SLPA’s sluggishness to go on a 5-0 run and equalize 24-24. They would ultimately take the lead and win the set 29-27.

Still reeling from the shock, Ports continued to make mistakes as CEB took a 7-point lead midway into the set and win the 2nd set 25-20.

Photo Album: CEB v Ports Authority – Men’s Super League SF2 (Munchee National Volleyball 2017)

Desperate to win the 3rd set and stay alive in the match, Ports Authority started off well and kept CEB at bay till the late stages. However, another loss in concentration let the momentum crumble giving CEB the opening they needed to win 25-21.