Punjab, Railways reign supreme

On Monday, they could not get their shots in with Ratanlal, Roy Joseph and Pritipal mostly returning back the Servicessmashes drop into their own court. Services took off well with Premjit and Shijas Mohammed finding the gaps initially and led 7-4.

Punjab took time to organise themselves and once they found the rhythm, made life miserable for the Sappers. Punjab equalised at 11-all, took the lead never to turn back. The second was a close affair. It looked a replica of the first when Services led 14-12.

Manoj Kumar, awarded the best player of the championship, sent down winners and Punjab were back on the road to victory. From 19-16, Punjab took control and led 23-16. Conceding just one more point, Punjab wrapped up the set at 25-17.

A two set deficit and trailing 15-22, defeat loomed large for Services. Premjith thrice spiked with success but it was too late and they bowed out to the inevitable.

Railways unstoppable: Indian Railways women have won the National title 14 consecutive times, including the one at Salem last month.

Despite Anu Jacob and Sujatha trying all angles, they could excel only in patches. Theclosest Kerala could come in the first was at 12-15 but Railways won easily.

Kerala showed glimpses of a fight back in the second when they forged ahead 12-7. Sujatha and Sheeja Mol were instrumental for the surge but once again grew complacent. Railways with Sunitha their skipper playing a great role as setter and Geetha Raju shots finding the gaps rubbed shoulders at 16-all.

Thereafter it was close. Railways Salomi Raju was erratic and Kerala exploited the weakness. Sheeja Mol’s serve had the Railway defence in disarray for they repeatedly failed in service reception. Inspite of having a 24-20 lead, Kerala failed to capitalise.

A clean block by Railways Suman Preet Kaur, followed by Geetha Raju’s deadly smash and a poor retrieval by Kerala’s Binitha Vincent gave Railways a two set lead.

Kerala looked jaded in the third and kept fumbling. This made the task easy for Railways. Kerala lacked the fighting spirit and were just going through the motions and all that they could take off their rivals was a10 points.