Aylesbury Vale Volleyball ClubBuckinghamshire VolleyballVale suffer 1st defeat of the season09 Dec 2007
Watford YMCA 3 Vale suffered their first defeat this season at the hands of 1st Division side Watford in the HVA Cup. It was always going to be a tough ask of a makeshift Vale side who could only manage to field a squad of 6 due to injury and illness. Vale were slow out of the blocks and poor passing allowed Watford to build up an early 10 point lead. Vale regrouped however and clawed their way back into the game, with some strong serving from Chris Seal and a good attack. It proved to be too little too late however. Watford were able to cling onto their lead and took the set 25-19 Vale continued their good form into the 2nd set. Vale were doing everything right - defense was well organized and the passing was excellent. Middle hitter James Raymond making his full debut in a Vale shirt enjoyed his fair share of the points. Watford were suddenly on the back foot and Vale took the 2nd set 23-25. The 3rd started out even, with Vale building up a narrow lead. However, as fatigue set in Vale began to make unforced errors and despite some good defence and some strong blocking at the net from Middle player Tim Chandler, Watford were able to run away with the 3rd set. The 4th set again was close but when outside hitter Yohei Higashi suffered cramp, Vale had no substitutions to bring on. Yohei bravely decided to play on and avoid Vale having to forfeit the game. It was to no avail however, as Watford took the final set 25-16. Despite the result, Vale pushed Watford right to the end. They certainly did not look out of their depth against Division 1 opposition, and will look to put this defeat behind them as they switch their focus back to the league this coming Sunday. Team: Chris Seal (c), Yohei Higashi, Tim Chandler, Artur Figlarski, Steve Smith, James Raymond Most valuable player: Tim Chandler |