Kathmandu, September 16

Help Nepal Sports Club beat defending champion Nepal Police Club in a five-set controversial match to enter men’s category semi-finals of the third NVA Cup National Women’s and Men’s Club Volleyball Championship here at the National Sports Council covered hall today.

In the virtual final match, Help Nepal claimed first set 25-19 but Police bounced back in the second set claiming it 25-18. However, Help Nepal regained their lead in the third set by 25-18 before Police levelled the match on 2-2 sets by winning the fourth set by 25-18.

However, the fifth set was controversial and turned to be thrilling encounter at the end when Help Nepal made it 25-23 to defeat the defending champion.

When Help Nepal, with four Indian recruits, were leading the fifth set by 13-11 and needed only two points for the victory, referees awarded Police with a point and the score looked 13-12.

The decision to award a point to Police in the crucial time turned to be controversial after players and officials of Help Nepal claimed that player of Police had touched the ball before landing outside the court on the side of Police.

That caused chaos at the venue and match was interrupted for a longer time before officials convinced the officials of Help Nepal to resume the match from the same scenario and referee’s decision remained unchanged.

“Our referees lacked the quality while judging the match as the ball was touched-out. We even showed the video of the scenario to the referees and it was all clear,” said Help Nepal Team Manager Arun Shrestha, who added that we came back into the match upon the request of organisers.

Shrestha said that the match was like virtual final and his side were at their best with block, receive and spike departments putting up good show against the mighty Police.

Meanwhile, Police coach Saroj Shrestha said rhythm of his players was broken due to the gape following interruption of the match.

“Referees should not have postponed the match for such a longer time as that break rhythms of players. Referee’s decision is always last one and the decision should not be taken publically.

Otherwise camera-technology should be used to take the decision like other international events,” said Police coach Shrestha. He also added that Help Nepal’s officials and players needed to be punished for interrupting the match.

In another quarter-final match, Nepal APF Club beat Pragatishil Youth Club 25-19, 25-18, 25-15 to confirm their meeting against Help Nepal.

In women’s category, APF defeated Jawalakhel Volleyball Training Centre on straight sets of 25-11, 25-6, 25-11 to sail into the semi-finals along with New Diamond Academy.

New Diamond saw off Dhorpatan Sports Training Centre 25-4, 25-13, 25-8 to set a meeting with APF in the last fours.