Yes folks, its time for Spandan updates...
In every event , the initial league matches are over . Some events have been finished and we have the final results as well .
I lost my semi-final match in Chess to Vinod . So , the clash for Grandmaster of IIIT B was between Dileep and Vinod which was eventually won by Dileep . Hearty congratulations to Dileep !
In Carroms , myself and Nareen won our semi final match against Vikram and Vinod in a nail biter . Initially we were lagging behind with the score reading 11 – 28 ( In a game of 29 ) . The opposition team needed to win 1 game or rather board to move on to the finals , but our strong grit and determination and our decision to play some risky shots paid off . We won three continuous games to win the match 29 – 28 . The best game being the last one . At that time , the score read 26 – 28 and we needed 3 points to seal a win and secure a place in the finals . There were exactly 3 coins ( opposition’s ) on the board and I had to strike our single coin which was left on the board . To pocket our coin , I needed to play a riff shot ( which I am not good at !!! ) . When I held the striker , first I thought to leave my chance and let Nareen have a go coz I might displace the coin and make life difficult for Nareen but then I backed myself and shot the striker . As the striker was coming back , I was keenly observing its path and the moment it hit the coin , I knew , I had done it ! I and Nareen jumped and hugged each other . We were into the finals !!! A medal confirmed for us :-) . We will meet Sanosh and Kartik in the finals .
In Cricket , due to unavailability of players from all the teams , the tournament came to a stand still . It may take two more weeks to wrap up the event . Well , the teams which qualified for the super league are Rakesh’s XI , Prabodh’s XI and Alumni XI .
In volleyball , it was a high tensed drama . The first match was played between Rakesh’s XI and Harsha’s XI . This was a decider for both the teams because whoever will win this match would walk into the finals and lock horn with Prabodh’s XI . It was a virtual semifinal for our team . We started off splendidly and won the first set quite comfortably with 15 – 9 to our name . In the second set , we were sailing quite smoothly until a smash from Guru directly hit Chandru’s face who was our only player who could smash the ball . The game was halted for 10 – 15 mins and at that time the score read 10 – 2 , we were leading . But the blow took Chandru a while to get back into the groove and we eventually lost the set 14-15 . The match was set for yet another nail biting finish . It was a neck to neck match and at the end we succumbed at 14 – 15 . Two sets in a row , we were leading and let slip away the game from us . But as a Captain and a team member I was happy with everyone’s contribution and attitude on the field . Their determination and vow to fight back kept my adrenaline flowing and I wasn’t afraid to dive and slide on the turf which was rough and was filled with small pebbles at some parts . Kudos to all my team mates : Chandru , Reddy , Santosh , Ranga and Sandeep .
So , the finalists were decided and it was between Prabodh’s XI and Harsha’s XI . In the previous encounter ( league match ), Prabodh’s XI had thrashed Harsha’s XI . We were expecting the same result in the finals as well .
As the match was about to start , people from all places gathered near the volleyball court. The atmosphere was electrifying and with the presence of so many supporters for both the teams made the match more intense . Prabodh’s XI made a confident start and were leading quite comfortably . But sudden lapse of communication and concentration pegged them back and they lost their first set 14 – 15 . In the mean time the hooligans rather the supporters were having gala time as they chose to back their players and at the same time bully the opposition with some characteristic rather uncharacteristic remarks. Myself , Sashank , Sampath and Ranga were active participants during the show .
We continuously cheered and backed our players and they lived up to our expectations when they came back strongly in the second set by winning 15 – 10 . This match also headed towards a nail biting finish . In the third set for most of the time , the points being scored were neck to neck . At 7 – 8 , Ravikanth finally unleashed his precise serves and took his side closer to victory . The opposition finally broke his serve at 14 – 8 . Prabodh’s XI were just one shot away from victory . As soon as Harsha’s XI were not able to send the ball in 3 passes , we shouted and the supporters of Praodh’s XI erupted on to the field . I was the privileged person and the first person to run onto the ground and congratulate the team . We won . Rather Prabodh’s XI won !
We formed a circle and jumped and celebrated with the victory lap ! Goshhh …. It was really a great match and I am happy that I was one of the witnesses .
After the victory lap , we posed for a photograph . When everything was set , suddenly Rajshekar screamed …. Rakesh , we want to have a team photograph first and then in the other snap you people can join in . I was hurt …. felt bad and I slowly walked out of the frame, but I could understand what exactly he meant . He didn’t say to hurt anyone but he wanted to cherish this moment whenever he would look at the pic .
I started to learn volleyball during my 2nd Sem at IIIT B . I think , I have improved leaps and bounds by this time and still , there is room to improve and hone my skills . I never thought that I would be in the second best team of my batch and will give fight to the opposition . I don’t know what happened to me or what magic the game has spilled on me , but these days I am always ready to play volleyball at any given time and I am enjoying the game . I am hoping that I would improve my game and I will try to push myself to secure a place in my batch’s best team . In this situation , I can feel what goes through a cricketer’s mind when he scores heavily and performances exceptionally well and still he doesn’t make it to the final squad .
Anyways …. Kudos to Prabodh’s XI . Hearty congratulations to one and all . let me have the pleasure of introducing them to all of you …
Prabodh , Nareen , Rajshekar , Ravikanth , Chandu and Kartik .
Guys .... you rock !!!
There were confusions all through the tournament regarding the rules … You can read the Volleyball game rules here
5 Comments:
At February 20, 2008 at 8:21 PM,
Unknown said...
At February 25, 2008 at 11:34 AM,
Big Foot said...
At February 25, 2008 at 11:56 AM,
Munna / Rakesh said...
Post was meant to update .. with action :P
Waise bhi - " Agar end mein sab kuch theek na ho to woh The End nahi hai dosto.... Picture abhi baaki hai..."
At February 25, 2008 at 2:16 PM,
Chandru said...
At February 25, 2008 at 2:20 PM,
Munna / Rakesh said...
I will definitely wait for that to happen ... And a definite party to all if we win the tournament ... :-)