By JOE IVAHARIA
EBONY Blackwood and Panthers have marched into the Hohola Volleyball Association grand final in the men’s division.
While in the women’s divisions, Casa will meet Taranga Dragons in the B division and Iariva take on traditional rivals Namona in the A division.
Ebony Blackwood disposed of Namona 3 sets to nil in the main game while Panthers came from behind to win 3-2 over favourites Iariva in the early match of the men’s division.
The Ebony/Namona match got off to a good start under the watchful eye of guest referee Sebea Mado from the Kauka Volleyball Association who had the match under control from start to finish.
Namona with stylish player Joe Opu calling the shots in the setting department, setting up his hitman of Bruce Apinin, Sylvester Kati, Joe Papua and Jnr Ovasuru, took out the first set 25-22 in a close finish.
The minor premiers were than on the way to the big one when they led early in the next set having settled down and scoring points through their opposition’s mistakes.
However, under the watchful eyes of player/coach Fishie Kavora who called a timely time to make use of the ball by calling on his setter Tom Tore to set play.
This really lifted the boys from Ebony Street to go one step better in offense and defense.
And with Tore setting up his hitter Posa Susuve, Macdonald Garea and Mini Mavera to score vital points Ebony came back into the game to shut of Namona and claim the second set 25-18.
With the scores level at 1 set each, both teams entered the court all fired up, displaying an entertaining match with good defensive blocks under the net and some good back-court cover defense.
Ebony had Sano lapeta, Bobby Bune and Kase Hiai covering the back court to stop any scoring moves by Namona which was effective and with Susuve and Mavera in superb form, the Blackwoods continued on their winning spree to wing the next two sets 26-24 and 25-22 and end Namona’s hopes of playing in the grand-final.