Services stay on course for crown

Services started on a bright note outspiking the Kerala defence, thanks to fine display by left-hand spiker C Rajan. They maintained a slender lead and won the game 25-20 even as Kerala adopted double block at the net aided by a fine display by spiker Kishore Kumar.

In the second game, however, Services were forced to draw level at11-11, 14-14, 18-18 as Kerala fought back with Tom Joseph, Raj Vinod and Viju V Thomas coming good. Kerala then wentahead at 20-18 and 21-19. But Services levelled 21-21 and 22-22 and then raced ahead at 24-22. They won the game at 25-23 after yielding one more point to Kerala.

Tamil Nadu stayed in contention for a final berth ousting Andhra 25-19, 25-14, 25-18, while Kerala women entered the final with their second win, beating Tamil Nadu 25-17, 14-25, 25-20, 25-16.

Both Services and Kerala fought neck and neck in the third game. Kerala forced a 15-13 lead after trailing by a point but levelling each time, helped by Services’ unforced errors. Services, however, drew level 17-17 and 18-18 with spiker Sunil Kumar finding gaps in the Kerala defence. Down by two points, Premjith and Surendran saw Services up 22-20. But Tom Joseph made it 21-22 and 22-23 for Kerala.

Services were on match point at 24-23 but Kerala levelled 24-24 through Kishore Kumar. As Raj Vinod served out and Kishore hit out, Services wrapped up the contest winning the game at 26-24.

Services finished the Super League with three wins and two losses.Kerala bowed out with two wins and three defeats.