Mukah scores double at volleyball championship

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SIBU: Mukah division captured both the Boy’s Under 16 and U-14 titles in the Inter-Division Volleyball championship which ended at Rejang Park Volleyball Court here yesterday afternoon.

Hot-favourite Sibu, however, remained the undisputed champion in the Girl’s categories as they chalked up both titles.

Mukah beat defending champion Sibu 3-2 (25-17, 25-16, 14-25, 25-23, 15-6) to bag the boy’s U-16 title for the first time.

“Our aim was to bring back both titles in the boy’s categories and we are happy to complete the double,” Mukah coach Philip Teo said.

“I know that we have a fighting chance for success and despite throwing away the 2-0 lead, I continue to rally my players to focus on their game and keep their feet on the ground.

The Mukah team, powered by Sukma player Andersan Chan and the only Indian player Ranjit Ramu, starred in the first two sets with their commanding and sharpshooting spikes.

But just when everyone thought it would be a tame 3-0 affair for Mukah, Sibu players suddenly rose to the occasion.

Marshalled by Ngu How Jie and Imacus Toh, they began to show maturity and urgency as they
went into the offensive for the first time before taking the third game.

In the fourth game, both sides played cautiously and it was point for point from 13-13 onwards to 22-22 before Sibu pulled ahead to secure the game at 25-23 to force a rubber.

In the deciding match, Sibu team gave their supporters something to cheer when they took the first two points but Mukah soon surge ahead 6-4.

From then onwards, there was no turning back and Mukah players were simply on fire as they eliminated Sibu 15-6 to take the title.

Third placing for the boy’s U-16 went to Meradong.

Miri was runner-up in the girl’s U-16, followed by Meradong.

In the boy’s U-14, the runner-up went to Limbang, followed by Meradong.

Sibu did not compete in the Boy’s U-14 after the team withdrew following the demise of their coach.

In the Girl’s U-14, the second placing went to Meradong, followed by Miri.

President of Sarawak Volleyball Association Vincent Lau Lee Ming gave away the prizes.

Among those present at the event were Deputy President of Sarawak Volleyball Association Dr Gregory Hii, Chairman Dr William Ting and Chairman of Sibu Volleyball Association Moh Ung Ming.