KATHMANDU, APRIL 4

Help Nepal Sports Club recorded their third straight victory in men's section to earn a share of lead in the fifth RBB-NVA Cup National Club League Volleyball Championship here at the NSC covered hall today.

Help Nepal came from a set down to beat Bulbule Rara Club 3-1 in their third match. Help Nepal, who have included three Indian players in their squad, dropped the first set 21-25 before bouncing back strongly. They win the second set 25-18 before taking the hard-fought third set 26- 24. Help Nepal then sealed the victory with a 25-21 win the fourth set.

With the win, Help Nepal accumulated nine points and are tied with Nepal APF Club, who are also unbeaten in three matches. Bulbule

Rara, who had stunned departmental sides Tribhuvan Army Club and Nepal Police Club in previous rounds with the help of three Pakistani spikers, have four points from four matches.

In the day's another match, NPC defeated Mani Mukunda Club 25-18, 25-19, 25-11. TAC and NPC also have six points each but they have played three matches apiece. Nayabazaar Samaj Yuva Club and Mani Mukunda Club are yet to open their accounts.

In women's section, TAC and NPC registered victories in straight sets. TAC defeated Bharatpur Metro Club 26-9, 25-8, 25-13, while NPC hammered Dhorpatan Sports Club 25-9, 25-5, 25-5. With the wins, both the departmental sides accumulated eight points and are tied at the top of the table. Hongwanji New Diamond Sports Club are third with seven points, while Nepal APF Club have four from two games. Bharatpur and Dhorpatan have not been able to open their accounts.

A total of 13 teams - seven in men's section and six in women's category - are taking part in the tournament organised by Nepal Volleyball Association under the sponsorship of Rashtriya Banijya Bank.

Top two teams will qualify for finals after the round robin league in both sections.

Top four teams in both categories will receive Rs 300,000, Rs 175,000, Rs 75,000 and Rs 37,500 respectively.

The best player in both sections will get Rs 25,000 each, while the best libero, spiker, blocker, server, setter and coach will earn Rs 10,000 apiece. A version of this article appears in the print on April 5, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.