Siyanetharu and Golden Birds crowned champions
GK Madushanka of Rantharu SC dashes the ball
Siyanetharu Sports Club of Gampaha and Golden Birds Sports Club of Radawana clinched the men’s and women’s titles of the 14th Dialog President’s Gold Cup Volleyball Championships held at the National Youth Services Centre Indoor Stadium, Maharagama yesterday.
Defending champiion Siyanetharu Sports Club retained the men’s title after overcoming a fierce challenge from Rantharu Sports Club of Debegama in a thrilling final 3-2 (25/22 25/16 21/25 19/25 15/12).
Rantharu Sports Club staged a magnificent fight after losing the first two sets and bouncing back to equalise by winning the next two sets. Even in the decisive final set Ranthuru fought tenaciously for every point before Siyanetharun Sports Club clinched the title.
Golden Birds SC prevailed over Rathanapala Sports Club of Radawana in the women’s final winning 3-1 (25/19 25/21 28/30 25/23).
The experienced Golden Birds comprising mostly Sri Lankan stars were made to toil hard to overcome the spirited youngsters of Rathanapala SC.
Golden Birds SC players won the first two sets with ease but conceded the crucial third set after a marathon battle. Playing with a bunch of junior players, Rathanapala SC kept fighting until the final point.
Rathanapala SC players were very smart in their tactics and skill and were able to win the third set after a marathon contest 30-28.
But their captain Preethika Prabodani failed to deliver a correct serve to concede victory to the opposition in the fourth set which they lost 23-25.
Iroshi Udayangani of winning team drops the ball. Pix by Priyantha Wickremaarachchi
Siyanetharu Sports Club entered the finals after beating Balares Sports Club of Colombo by 3-0 while Rantharu Sports Club was beaten by V Six Sports Club of Madampe 3-0.
V Six SC’s withdrawal paved the way for Rantharu Sports Club to qualify for the finals.
As a result there were no third place in the men’s category.
The women’s champions Golden Birds SC stormed into the finals after defeating Casual Line Sports Club of Mawathagama in straight sets and the runners-up Rathanapala SC overcame Kapila Sports Club of Colombo 3-2 in the semi-finals.
Casual Line of MAS Holdings secured the third place winning 2-0 against Kapila Sports Club.