Aylesbury Vale Volleyball Club
Match Report: Vikings v Volleyers, Home 15th October 2006
3-0 win: 25-9, 25-16, 25-14
Team : Chris Seal (captain), Suzanne Kruize, Artur Figlarski, Roger Gudge, Steve Smith, Neil Bennett, Emanuele Mazotta.
Officials: Pete Smith (referee), Dave Ramsay (second referee) & Rebecca Little (scorer).
Aylesbury Vale Volleyball Club's first team Vale Vikings survived spirited resistance from second string Vale Volleyers and made their power advantage count in a 3-0 win (25-9, 25-16, 25-14) in the intra-club derby match in the Herts League at Sportspace Berkhamsted. A predictable result, but Vikings showed Volleyers respect from the start, and did not treat it as a training match with good consistent serving and steady controlled play throughout.
Setters Suzanne Kruize and close season signing Artur Figlarski coordinated the offensive options well and served consistently strongly with good runs of points against a hesitant Volleyers' passing unit. Recent recruit, debutant spiker Emanuele Mazotta took time to get into his stride but produced some strong hitting as the match progessed as did veteran middle blocker Roger Gudge making a welcome competitive comeback. Silly errors in the second game gave Volleyers the advantage, but Kruize served Vikings back into contention. The third set saw the Vikings combining better with good team play and a positive attitude leading to comfortable enough victory in the end. Captain Chris Seal was pleased with his offensive options and the variety of attacks, but the team will be working on defensive coordination and elimination of unforced errors to reinforce this season's title challenge. Suzanne Kruize was nominated most valuable player for her consistent serving and setting ability.
Set 1 rotation (1 to 6): Chris (OH), Artur (S), Neil (MB), Emanuele (OH), Suzanne (S), Roger (MB).
Set 2 rotation: Steve (S) on for Suzanne (S).
Set 3 rotation: Suzanne (S) on for Artur (S).
See also the Volleyers' match report and the merged press release.
Nigel/Chris.
