Date:28/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/28/stories/2008022855372100.htm

Sport - Hockey

IOB keeps winning

Sports Reporter

Bargur: Riding on the brilliance of Naveen Raja Jacob, Indian Overseas Bank (Chennai) defeated Indian Bank 25-19, 25-12, 21-25, 25-18 for its second straight win in the 12th National volleyball league championship (final) leg for men and women at the GGHSS courts here on Wednesday.

Inspired by its passionate supporters, IOB claimed the first two sets with absolute ease. Fresh blood Naveen was in exquisite form, and he was posing plenty of problems for a weak-looking Indian Bank side.

In the third set, Indian Bank answered back with K. Sayeekrishnan and P. Kalaivannan leading the way. The former, who failed to get the much-needed support from his mates early on, was beginning to grow confident as the match wore on. And with Kalaivannan striking the right chord, Indian Bank clinched the third 25-21.

The fourth was evenly fought, but Naveen, who smashed and served brilliantly, turned the tide.

The results: Men: IOB (Chn) bt Indian Bank (Chn) 25-19, 25-12, 21-25, 25-18. Tuesday’s results: S. Rly bt KSEB (Tvm) 25-22, 25-13, 25-13, BPCL (Kochi) bt Indian Navy (Kochi) 25-17, 25-21, 18-25, 25-16. Women: Western Rly (Mumbai) bt C. Rly (Mumbai) 25-22, 25-19, 25-23.