Aylesbury Vale Volleyball Club

Match Report: Harriers Hawks, Away 30th November 2005

3-0 win: 25-18, 25-12, 25-18

Team : Chris Seal (Capt), Graham Bird, Jem Clark, Nicolas Lasbistes, Paul Clarke, Sara Clark & Tim Chandler; Coach: Nigel Collins

Aylesbury Vale Volleyball Club beat Harriers Hawks 3-0 (25-18, 25-12, 25-18) in their top v bottom Herts League clash at Francis Bacon School, St Albans. This comfortable victory sets Vale up for a six-pointer against their cup conquerors Hatfield, unbeaten in the league this season. The result will determine whether Vale are true championship contenders or merely flattering to deceive against early season opposition.

For much of the match Vale found themselves under more pressure from their own unforced offensive errors than from the Hawks' serve and attack. Vale built their win on good sustained service pressure, especially from Nicolas Lasbistes, Tim Chandler and Sara Clark, and an enveloping defence against the Hawks' attack with Tim Chandler picking up 14 digs. Although captain Chris Seal and middle Jem Clark hit well, Vale's attack was generally workmanlike rather than spectacular. The exceptions were generated by playmaker Sara Clark in the third game with a crisp reverse set for Chris Seal to bury and a couple of balls for fellow setter Nicolas Lasbistes to kill from backcourt.

Set 1 rotation (1 to 6): Sara (S), Jem (MB), Paul (OH), Nicolas (S), Tim (MB), Graham (OH).

Set 2 rotation (1 to 6): Jem (MB), Graham (OH), Nicolas (S), Tim (MB), Chris (OH), Sara (S).

Set 3 rotation (1 to 6): Sara (S), Chris (MB), Paul (OH), Nicolas (S), Tim (MB), Graham (OH).

Nigel.