Aylesbury Vale Volleyball Club

Match Report: Welwyn, Home 23rd April 2006

0-3 loss: 20-25, 23-25, 22-25

Team : Bruce Archibald, Chris Seal (Capt), Jem Clark, Neil Bennett, Nicolas Lasbistes, Paul Clarke, Suzanne Kruize & Tim Chandler; Coach: Nigel Collins.

Aylesbury Vale Volleyball Club lost 0-3 (20-25, 23-25, 22-25) at home at Halton to title rivals Welwyn in their final match of the season in Herts League Division 2. Although Vale still top the table they conceded the title to Welwyn who have a game in hand which they are expected to win and overtake Vale. Finishing runners-up is a great achievement for Vale in only their second season in the Herts League, having moved up from the weaker Bucks League after winning it in 2004.

The first game started with both teams evenly matched although Welwyn restricted Vale's scoring opportunities on service. Vale's backcourt, especially captain Chris Seal, defended well against Welwyn's star spiker but his consistent pressure always gave Welwyn the edge over Vale who gave away too many free balls and offensive errors. Welwyn confidently closed out the game 25-20 against a tentative Vale. In the second game Vale stormed to an early lead with Neil Bennett playing some deft touches exploiting holes in the Welwyn defence. Setters Nicolas Lasbistes and Suzanne Kruize combined well and provided excellent ball distribution to the Vale hitters. However, after cruising to 22-11, Vale were unable to close out rallies and lost the game 23-25 to a dogged Welwyn comeback. Vale started the third game flat and conceded an early lead to Welwyn. Although a determined fightback pulled back the deficit it was too late to avoid a 22-25 game loss and with it the match 0-3.

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

Set 2 rotation (1 to 6): Bruce (OH), Suzanne (S), Neil (MB), Paul (OH), Nicolas (S), Jem (MB).

Set 3 rotation (1 to 6): Bruce (OH), Suzanne (S), Neil (MB), Chris (OH), Nicolas (S), Tim (MB).

Nigel.