(Sports news) The Calicut Heroes registered their 2nd victory in 5 matches after defeating Kochi Blue Spikers 15-12, 15-9, 9-15, 9-15, 15-11 in the RuPay Prime Volleyball League at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday. Calicut secured 2 valuable two points from the match and Calicut Heroes' Ajithlal C was adjudged the Player of the Match.

Jerome Vinith started off with a brilliant spike as the Heroes took the lead at 8-6 in the first set. David Lee also was in close contention as Calicut continued to forge ahead. Captain Vinith powered the way through for Calicut to win the Super Point and take a four-point lead at 13-9. The Heroes rode on the momentum and eventually closed out the first set at 15-12.

Erin Varghese and Cody Caldwell produced destructive spikes as Kochi held the edge at 9-6 in the second set. However, skipper Vinith helped the Heroes gain the lead at 10-9. Thereafter, Ajithlal effected a couple of thundering spikes as the Heroes won 9 points in a row and wrapped up the second set at 15-9 to take a 2-0 lead in the match.

Varghese was bringing in crucial points as Kochi dominated the third set at 10-7. Abdul Raheem and Cody Caldwell showed their magic to help the Blue Spikers take a five-point lead at 13-8. Thereafter, the Blue Spikers eventually closed out the third set at 15-9 and got on board.

Raheem continued to shine as Kochi got off to a strong start at 5-1 in the fourth set. Caldwell effected a smash as the Blue Spikers kept extending their lead. The Blue Spikers won a Super Point to hold the edge at 12-6. Kochi dominated the rest of the set and eventually closed it out at 15-9 to make it two sets all.

The two sides were going head to head as they were locked at 7-7 in the final set. However, Abil Krishnan MP pulled off two match winning  spikes to help the Heroes take the lead at 13-10. Ajithlal then delivered the final bow with a superb spike as the Heroes closed out the final set at 15-11 and walked off the court as winners of the match.

The Kolkata Thunderbolts will take on Ahmedabad Defenders at 1850 hrs on Saturday, 19 February.

Also read: Kochi Blue Strikers hoping to continue winning form after first match win