Issue - Y-oman.com

GAMEONAnother spectacular gamemissed by spectatorsAl Wahda and Wajees fought it out this weekend at the Sultan Qaboos SportsComplex on April 9th and I must say, even though it was an empty stadium, itwas by far more exciting than most international football matches that I haveattended. It shocks me though, that more spectators don’t turn up for thesedomestic matches. Could it be because people are unaware they are takingplace? I believe so.Words and Photography Clint Derric EgbertTwo Giants Lock HornsAfter several unsuccessful attempts to clinch the Oman Volleyball Association League title,consistency finally paid off for Saham Club who outplayed Seeb Club at a packed SultanQaboos Sports Complex on April 5th.‘‘It was quite difficult to defeat Seeb Club as they have some very talented national playersin their squad but we had an aggressive approach right from the start and thus could makeit finally. I’m really happy that our team won the maiden title, especially after entering thefinal on seven occasions in the past,’’ said an ecstatic Saham coach Hilal al Jabri after thematch.I could sense a great game in store as soon as the whistle sounded for kick off,both teams took turns to fire out thunderous attacks on the opposing goals.Aggressive and determined goalkeepers managed to prevent the ball fromcrossing the goal line for the first half of the game, and half time ended with bothteams at nil. As for the second half of the game – now that was a completelydifferent story.Within seconds of the game resuming, Wajees scored the first goal of the match.Ten minutes later, Al Wahda hit back with a blistering goal to tie the score 1-1. Thatgoal marked the end of the Wajees attack for the evening and the beginning of AlWahda dominance. Goal two and three flew in just as quickly leaving Wajees twogoals down, helpless and frustrated as the final whistle shrilled in the distance.Al Wahda cruised to a well-deserved 3-1 victory. All in all a great match, but onceagain, one that could have done with a much bigger audience in attendance.Saham were successful at lifting the crown but the journey was anything but easy. Playingagainst a team like Seeb is a battle, one that they appeared prepared for. Armed with someof the deadliest Spikers in the Middle East, the two sides locked horns for a finale that feltevery bit like a tournament final; with cheers bellowing from the stands and adrenaline inthe air.The score board see-sawed dramatically from one side to the other; at times Saham in thelead, the next minute Seeb took the reins. It was hard to tell who was on top of the gameuntil the final whistle blew.With the first set going to Saham 25-23, Seeb decided on a comeback, successfullygrabbing the second set 25-22 to tie the score. Saham however, determined to win theirfirst title in the league, took the third and final set 25-22 and 25-23 respectively.“Our level of play was almost equal but somehow things did notclick for us. Also, because of the pressure of playing in the final,some of the players could not perform well,” said a thwarted Nasr alMiqbali, Coach of Seeb Club.All the ingredients that make for a great championship were ondisplay at this face-off between Saham and Seeb. As for third place,Sohar Club conveniently soared into the position thanks to the latearrival of Bashayir Club who were left with no choice but to forfeitthe match. Next year looks to be equally as thrilling as this year’sclimax, a tournament I personally cannot wait for.41