Al Rayyan opened the new volleyball season in style, beating Police in three straight but tough games to win the Super Cup for the third year in a row yesterday.
Coached by Carlos Eduardo, Al Rayyan triumphed 25-21, 30-28, 25-22 in the presence of Qatar Volleyball Association President Ali Ghanim al-Kuwari and other officials. Al-Kuwari crowned the winners after the match.
There was little doubt about the overall superiority of the Al Rayyan side as they controlled the match during crucial moments to prevail against the never-say-die Police side.
In the first game, Al Rayyan kept their nose ahead, albeit marginally, for most part, but Police drew level at 15-all.
However, Al Rayyan came up with fine blocks and steadily reasserted control to eventually claim the game 25-21.
The second game was also bitterly fought, but midway Al Rayyan pulled ahead 14-9, before Police fought back and raised visions of a victory.
As the game progressed, it became clear that team with a stronger willpower would eventually prevail and that indeed proved the case.
The game went into extra time after both sides were locked at 24-all, but Al Rayyan held on to win it 30-28 and take a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The third game too followed a similar pattern with Al Rayyan edging clear in the final moments to clinch a memorable win.
QVA chief al-Kuwari said Al Rayyan were deserving winners as they aced the big points.
“It was a tough final but Al Rayyan proved more resilient and they excelled at important stages of the game,” said al-Kuwari.
“However, the Police team needn’t be disheartened as they fought till the end,” he added.
Super Cup winners Al Rayyan pose with the trophy in the presence of volleyball officials at the Qatar Volleyball Association hall yesterday.
