ISLAMABAD, Dec 8: Wapda and Police scored contrasting semifinal victories on Thursday to check into the final of the 41st National volleyball championship at the Liaquat Gymnasium.

The first semifinal was a nail-biting affair and Wapda were lucky to scrape through 25-21, 25-19, 23-25, 23-25, 15-13 against Indian Punjab while title-holders Police advanced in straight games with a 25-23, 25-20, 25-19 defeat of former champions Army.

The Indians bounced back bravely after falling two games behind largely through the efforts of Sarwan Singh, Gurwinder Singh and Suraj Prakash.

Wapda despite having taken a 2-0 lead let it slip away. But they were only themselves to blame as they conceded points at crucial stages.

The decisive set was as tense as the first four but the visitors lost it by the skin of their teeth.

Wapda were helped greatly by Irfan Nawaz, Abdul Rahim, Muneeb and Jawad, who played their part well from start to finish.

Police did not face much difficulty against Army and went marching ahead through some fine work done by Naseer Ahmed, Ehsanullah Tipu and Zafar Kuria.

The Police team has shown champion pedigree and stopping them from retaining their title on Friday will require a gallant effort from Wapda.

Results (semifinals):