Jeddah Prep and Grammar School fought back from behind to steal victory from hosts, BSAK in the BSME U13 Games third place play-off match this afternoon.
Captain Abdullah Nasr was happy to have won the final match, but admitted he was somewhat disappointed not to make the final: "We hoped to win today's event, but we lost concentration against Brighton (Abu Dhabi), and ended up losing a match we should have won, but I'm proud we were able to pick ourselves up and take third place."
Mr Low was proud of his team's performance: "I'm gutted that the boys missed out on the final because they've worked so hard all year. Third is still a great result and we're really looking forward to the football tournament tomorrow."
In the final, a red-hot Sherborne team took on the pride of Bahrain, St Christopher's. Right from the first point, the standard of play and intensity was incredible.
As the match wore on, the bleachers inside NYU's pristine sports hall hummed with excitement and nervous energy, but still the sides could not be separated. As the lead continued to change hands, the tension in the stands grew ever more palpable.
At 24-23, St Christopher's looked to have victory in their grasp, only for the men from Doha to seize back the advantage.
With the scores locked at 24-24, and with player of the tournament, Diego, serving, the writing looked to be on the wall. The first serve was simply unplayable, giving Sherborne a one-point lead and the chance to seal victory.
However, the second serve floated just long and the chance was lost, giving service back to St Christopher's.
Team captain Vedant held his nerve to hold service for the next two points, sealing victory and sending the SCS players and supporters into ruptures with a 27-25 win.
Head coach Rob Subbiani was delighted for his squad: "We didn't come here expecting to win today, so I'm over the moon for the players."
He too had high hoped for his boys in tomorrow's football tournament, but piled the pressure on the girls netball team: "We've done our part – I just pray the girls netball coaches don't let us down tomorrow," he said with a smile as his colleagues giggled behind him.
A huge congratulations to all the sides who took part in today's boys volleyball competition.