This story is from December 10, 2016

Ernakulam have their task cut out

Defending champions Ernakukulam, led by Indian international Jerome Vinith, face a tough task as they start their campaign in the 36th Kerala State Senior Volleyball Championship that begins on Saturday.
Ernakulam have their task cut out
KOCHI: Defending champions Ernakukulam, led by Indian international Jerome Vinith, face a tough task as they start their campaign in the 36th Kerala State Senior Volleyball Championship that begins on Saturday.
The Kinginy floodlit stadium, Angamaly is the main venue for the tournament and will host both the group matches and knockout games. Some fixtures in group stage will also be held at GVHSS floodlit stadium, Chalakudy In the men's section, Ernakulam have been placed in 'group of death' along with Thiruvananthapuram and Pathanamthitta, with top two teams advancing to the quarterfinal stage.
KSEB Thiruvananthapuram's players will represent Thiruvananthapuram while Kerala Police, who finished second in All India Police Games recently, will be playing for Pathanamthitta in the championship.
Ernakulam coach Bijoy Babu sounded optimistic about Ernakulam's chances but said they are not underestimating any team. “Last year's championship was an easy one. Except in the final against Idukki, we won the championship with ease. But this year we are in a tough group and reaching quarters is our first goal,” said Bijoy.
If Kollam was last year's championship's surprise package, Malappuram may spring a surprise this year as they are fielding former international Kishore Kumar, experienced Shamji K Thomas and young talent Ajithlal. Kishore and Shamji were Kollam's trump cards last year at Kuttyadi. Skipper Kishore was confidence personified on the eve of the tournament. “We have got a good side and we will fight our hearts out. We took Kollam to semis last year and we hope to do more with this side for Malappuram,” Kishore said.
Meanwhile in the women's section, defending champions Thiruvananthapuram look a weaker side on paper after releasing four players for the national camp in Gujarat. Kannur and Thrissur may pose major challenge for Thiruvananthapuram and forming a good combo with available players could be the big issue for the champions.
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