Defending champions Oman Club retained the title of the 2022-23 first division league after defeating Ahli Sidab 28-24 in the concluding game at the indoor halls of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Wednesday.
The triumph meant that the Muscat-based team managed to earn their eighth title while Ahli Sidab are still leading the list of top winners as they had won the title for 12 times.
HH Sayyid Fahar bin Fatik al Said was the chief guest of the final match and gave away the medals and trophies. Oman Club players received the gold medals and the trophy besides a cash cheque of RO 10,000 while Ahli Sidab players were presented silver medals with a cash cheque of RO 5,000.
Both teams began the match with the target of chasing the title. It was an open game as both teams know each other very well.
Oman Club’s Rafat Ahmed was the star of the game who made great contributions for his team to win the title.
The first half of the game ended with Oman Club leading 15-12.
In the following half, Ahli Sidab players pressed hard towards reducing the gap. Later, Ahli Sidab players lacked focus and they started to make mistakes in the field which assisted Oman Club players to score more goals. Oman Club kept their control and finished the game at 28-24.
Meanwhile, the Ministry handball shield championship competitions started last Friday.
Salalah managed to end their opening game against Dhofar with a huge 50-13 win, while Al Ittihad snatched a 35-15 victory over Mirbat in another game in Dhofar Governorate.
Nizwa edged Qurayat 31-21 while Masirah registered a crucial 30-18 win over Al Talieah. Al Bashayer thrashed Saham 47-15 in another match while Al Shabab and Al Musannah fixture did not take place as both teams withdrew. Ahli Sidab were champions of the previous edition of the 2021-22 Ministry’s handball shield championship as they beat Oman Club 25-24 in the final in March 2022. Muscat club finished in third place.
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