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WESSEX NEWS ARCHIVE2006/7 WESSEX LADIES HIT DOUBLE WIN Wessex returned to National League Division 1 action at the weekend and returned to winning ways after the Cup defeat two weeks ago. The Club were involved in a double head weekend with a home fixture against Ashcombe Dorking on Saturday which was followed by an away local derby against Portsmouth.
Wessex 3 Ashcombe Dorking 1
For the first time this season Wessex were able to field their full squad against Ashcombe. The match saw a return to action for Vicky Palmer who has been sidelined in 2007 with a serious ankle injury.
Wessex started the first set brightly enough with Katja Gless, and Sarah Palmer scoring well with strong outside wing attacks. Paula Snow also started the match taking the first point after service receive, smashing a middle hit to the backcourt of Ashcombe. Building up a convincing lead, the set looked like it would be a formality for Wessex, but Ashcombe, who are struggling near the foot of the division 1 table had other ideas and they started to gain some success with their own attacks. Wessex’s back started to make unforced errors, which made life difficult for the host’s setter Sophia Speigal. Wessex’s serve also began to falter, with a number of balls being hit too long. This enabled Ashcombe to stage a recovery and it was the visitors who closed out the set 19-25
The second set saw a line up reshuffle for Wessex. They changed their setter, introducing Veronica Orfanidou into the fray, and included Phoebe Jeffery at wing attack. The combination proved to be effective right from the start. With Wessex opening a six point lead early on the Surrey based visitors had their work cut out to retain their advantage. Leanne Eddie started to dominate at the net for Wessex, but unforced errors continued to be made by both teams making the match a scrappy affair for the large crowd of spectators. Phoebe Jeffery always continued to play well with a series of accurate wing smashes, enabling Wessex to level the match at 1 set apiece with a 25-16 win
The match was swinging Wessex’s way as the third set started the same way as the second set ended. With Wessex dominating at the net and establishing a convincing lead. Wessex, also took control of their backcourt, Henri Creasy impressing in the Libero role. Mid way through the set Ashcombe started their fight back and slowly but surely Wessex’s lead was reduced until the teams levelled at 20-20. Leanne Eddie then scored impressively through the middle attack to rekindle Wessex’s confidence. Rotating round to serve, she then produced an Ace to place the visitors under real pressure. Due to this Ashcombe failed to return Eddie’s next serve and Wessex pushed on to take the set 25-20.
The forth set was to prove very close in the early stages, but with both sides repeatedly finding the net with their serves, it was not one of the best for the spectators. It was clear that it would be the team with the strongest nerves that would emerge victorious. Fortunately for Wessex this proved to be the Dorset based outfit, as Phoebe Jeffery scored several smashes by turning the ball inside of the Ashcombe block. Her serving then proved to be the turning point of the set. A run of six straight point winning serves from Jeffery all but won the match for Wessex. Katja Gless actually scored the match winning point with a brilliant smash from the opposite setter position, but it was Phoebe Jeffery’s overall performance that won her the player of the match award. The set was concluded with a score line of 25-19 to give Wessex 3 sets to 1 winning margin. Wessex were: Creasy, Eddie, Gless, Jeffery, Orfanidou, Palmer S, Palmer V, Smith, Snow, Speigal, Spokes SOUTH WEST MINI VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Wessex took four teams to the South West Mini Volleyball Championships held in Weston Super Mare over the weekend and won all four titles. The boys added the Under 12, Under 13 and Under 14 Championship wins to the Under 15 and Under 17 titles already won which meant a clean sweep of all the S.W. boys championships this season. The most convincing performance came from the Under 13 boys who were unbeaten throughout the tournament. Ryan Jones and Jordan Young playing in their first regional event teamed up with Matt Hunter and Aaron Walrond to create a formidable combination. The girls under 14 team of Annie Tinker, Helena Lumley, Paige Nelmes and Emily Singleton were equally impressive as they recovered from a draw in their first match to convincingly win their remaining matches with some style. Both the Under 12 and Under 14 boys had more difficulty and both had to wait until the last match to see if they had done enough to win. The under 12’s gave debuts to Joel Roberts, Connor Duggan and Sam Walrond and their age and inexperience told as they lost their first match against Lydney. The rest of the matches were won, with the best display coming against a very good Priory (WSM) side. Both sides played excellent volleyball but Wessex finally triumphed 15-13. A Priory victory against Lydney saw the title go to Wessex. The Under 14’s boys gained victories against Melksham, Lydney and Exeter but crumpled against a very good Devizes team. The last match was a re match against Devizes and Wessex knew they not only had to win but to win well in order to take the title. The match was a complete contrast as blocking from Aaron Garrett and Joe Lambe meant Devizes couldn’t attack. Ryan Palmer stayed in the backcourt to set up smashing chances for Garrett and Lambe and this worked brilliantly. The match was won 21-7 and the title deservedly went to Wessex. Last Saturday, Feb 3rd, Wessex Men defeated Oxford Students in a surprise victory that saw them save two match points at the end of the 4th set. Although Wessex entered the match in 9th place of National League Division 2, one place ahead of Oxford; the latter had defeated them in straight sets in November and the previous week defeated the division leaders. Additionally Wessex were without many of their regular squad members and comprised Richard Collins, Mark Garcia-Kidd, Curtis Palmer, Matt Pretty, Rob Semmence, Tristan Sheppard and Lee Virrill. One week on, what really sticks in the memory about this game is how much of a team performance it was. Everybody played a part and there was plenty of adversity to overcome. Curtis hadn’t played a full match in almost a year; Lee hadn’t played in over two months and this was Tristan’s first full match as a passer / outside hitter. He stayed tough to make it through five sets. Mark and Matt ran the middle and blocked; as well as having to play back-court in the absence of a libero. All the time Richard delivered the ball to hitters with great distribution, as well as playing the last two sets with a damaged finger. Meanwhile Rob remained ready and eager to substitute on at any time. This was an inexperienced team that could easily have found excuses to crumble and be defeated; but instead they found a formula for success. That formula was tough serving and solid hitting, few unforced errors, and most importantly an excellent display of teamwork and unity. Wessex began the match with five straight points from simple yet effective serves straight down the line. Each point was greeted with a big cheer and the team coming together to celebrate. It immediately put Oxford on the back foot and Wessex dominated the 1st set to win 25-21. With the 2nd set opening evenly, Oxford were able to edge to 12-8 ahead with the occasional extra point earned here and there. Wessex pulled back to 14-13 down with a run of serves that forced Oxford to call timeout. With that, the Wessex momentum evaporated and Oxford took the 2nd set, 25-18. The 3rd set continued in this vein with Oxford winning it 25-13. By now, the team unity had begun to dissipate and the Wessex players were in danger of being overwhelmed. But in the 4th set they played as they had in the 1st, with plenty of cheering and back-slapping. Despite an early deficit of 6-2, the team put together strings of effective serving and the scoring began to go tit-for-tat. As the scores went past 20, Oxford found an extra defensive play to set themselves up with match point at 24-22 Wessex maintained composure and reeled off three points to give themselves set point at 25-24. Oxford sided out with a tip for 25-25, but Wessex then sided out (26-25) and clinched the set 27-25. Now clearly re-energised and scenting an upset Wessex fought for every point. Oxford also fought valiantly, but with Wessex changing ends at 8-6 up they pushed on to win the set 15-12 and take the match 3 sets to 2. Sets scores: 25-21, 18-25, 13-25, 27-25, 15-12. NATIONAL JUNIOR CUP 2007 Round 2 The local side took a full squad of 12 to Weston Super Mare on Saturday and all played a vital part in helping Wessex to remain unbeaten. The first match was against Newbury who included two big hitting Polish players. Although the Wessex block took some time to deal with Newbury’s attacking threat the experience of Aaron Robertson, Craig Duckmanton, Luke Bartlett and Chris Sanderson ensured a comfortable 25-14 first set win. Duckmanton’s back injury saw him restricted in the backcourt during the second set so 14 year old Joe Lambe came on to provide a steadying influence as Newbury punished the Wessex mistakes. A much closer set saw Wessex clinch the win 25-23. The next match was against the home team Priory and Wessex were looking for their taller players to make full use of their advantage. The first set worked out like that as Robertson combined well with Tom Ridge who hit several stunning quick attacks. Harry Pamiglone also contributed with some hard hitting while Dan Marsh’s variation of hitting and tipping proved very successful. All this combined with penetrating serving from Dan Merrill saw the set won 25-10. Once again though Wessex relaxed too much and struggled to a 25-22 second set win. Kings from Exeter were looking very impressive in their matches and everybody was looking forward to the clash with Wessex. Wessex had a game plan to counter the powerful Kings hitters and it worked perfectly due to excellent serving from Bartlett, Sanderson, Duckmanton and Robertson. Ridge, Dan Riddle and Thom Rigden all came up with some “stuff” blocks but it was a brilliant performance by the whole team which saw Kings restricted to just 7 points in the first set. It was a much closer contest in the second set, partly due to a lack of concentration and thought by Wessex but they finally clinched the set 25-20. The last game was against Richmond, coached by former Wessex junior and England International, Dave Ryvers. Without reaching the heights of the previous game Wessex did enough to win 2-0. Merrill, Marsh, Lambe, Pamiglone and Rigden returned to the action as the first set was won 25-15. Squad: Dan Merrell, Luke Bartlett, Aaron Robertson, Chris Sanderson, Tom Ridge, Craig Duckmanton, Dan Riddle, Joe Lambe, Daniel Marsh, Thom Rigden, Harry Pamiglone, Jonathan Tyler.
Dissappointment as Under 16 boys lose in Semi - Final
Squad: Bartlett, Duckmanton, Robertson, Sanderson, Ridge, Lambe, Merrill, Marsh, Pampiglione, Tyler, Rigden, Riddle, Garrett The Wessex under 16 boys very nearly made it a double but lost 2-1 to Tendring in the semi final. The boys started slowly but an excellent performance by Craig Duckmanton, ably assisted by Tom Ridge and Joe Lambe meant that Wessex were good enough to beat Madeley 2-0. Throughout, Luke Bartlett, Jonathan Tyler and Duckmanton controlled the pass which allowed Chris Sanderson to use his attacking options to good effect. Cleobury fought hard in the second match but couldn’t stop Wessex, with Dan Merrill, Daniel Marsh, Thom Rigden and Dan Riddle in action, chalking up a another 2-0 win. The last pool match was against Boswells and Wessex won the first set with good middle play and serving from Harry Pampiglione. Boswells levelled with a second set win and took an early lead in the third. Ridge continued to impress in the middle but despite a fine comeback Boswells completed the win. This meant Wessex had to play Tendring in the semi. Wessex started brilliantly with Luke Bartlett outstanding. Duckmanton was maintaining his high level and Sanderson and Ridge combined well. To the delight of their supporters Wessex won the set 25-23. Tendring won the next 25-20 to level so all depended on the third. Aaron Robertson was now Wessex’s dominate player and kept a tired looking Wessex in the game with some vital blocks. A couple of errors gave Tendring a three point lead, which Wessex desperately tried to claw back to no avail. 15-12 The team were disappointed but both sides received much praise from the experts for the standard shown in the game. Squad: Bartlett, Duckmanton, Robertson, Sanderson, Ridge, Lambe, Merrill, Marsh, Pampiglione, Tyler, Rigden, Riddle, Garrett
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What the EVA said about our teams Top Volleyball At Top 8s 19th March 2007 This weekend, 17th & 18th March, saw the Top 8s for the Under 16 boys and Under 18 men at Keele University and the Under 16 girls and the Under 18 women at Loughborough University, leaving four teams ready to battle it out at the finals next month.
Squad: Creasy, Eddie, Gless, Jeffery, Orfanidou, Palmer S, Palmer V, Smith, Snow, Speigal, Spokes Portsmouth 0 Wessex 3
Wessex made the short trip up the M27 to face Portsmouth on Sunday. Travelling with almost an unchanged squad from the day before, Wessex expected a fight from Portsmouth who are a much better team than their basement League position suggests.
Only Phoebe Jeffery missed the match for Wessex due to a family commitment. The opening set saw Wessex start the match in top form blasting the hosts of court in fine style. Leanne Eddie, Sarah Palmer and Katja Gless all finding quality successes. These were mainly in response to setter Veronica Orfanidou’s well placed feeds. The set ended with the impressive score line of 10-25 in Wessex’s favour. Portsmouth player coach Jayne Smith introduced herself at the start of the second set. Her experience helped stem the rapid flow of points to Wessex, and the contest became much more even. Wessex also rotated their starting six. Vick Palmer and Jess Smith entered the action for the visitors. The set could have gone either way as the scores reached 23-23, but Wessex’s height at the net and top class defending from Henri Creasy saw Wessex through to a 23-25 win. The third set began with Wessex opening up a big lead and it appeared that the set would go the same way as the first, but with their backs to the wall and fighting for their top flight survival, Portsmouth started to rally, they started to win points mainly through Jayne Smith. Narrowing the gap to just three points at the mid set stage, the hosts began to play some good volleyball. At this point Wessex power hitters regained their form and Eddie, Jess Smith and Vicky Palmer all took the Portsmouth block apart. Wessex took the set with another impressive score line, this time 12 – 25, to hand Wessex a straight sets match win. Player of the match Veronica Orfanidou
Next Saturday, Wessex travel to Raynes Park, London, where they play current League leaders London Malory. Malory suffered a shock defeat at the hands of London Polonia last weekend. Defeat against Wessex would throw the division wide open.
Wessex are more than capable of gaining victory over Malory. Playing earlier in the season, Wessex took the opening set against the Londoners, and with their full squad available for the match Wessex are confident of producing a competitive match with several attacking variations available. Wessex select from: Creasy, Eddie, Gless, Jeffery, Orfanidou, Palmer S, Palmer V, Smith, Snow, Speigal, Spokes
Coaches: Geoff Allen, Ian Loke National Volleyball KO Cup Quarter Final Wessex travelled to the London Volleyball Centre, Bethnal Green to play Swiss Cottage on Sunday. In front of a very large and vocal crowd Wessex were forced to battle for every point. The hosts who currently top Division Two of the National League showed why they are favourites to win the division and make a big impact on next season’s top flight. With several players who have experienced European League volleyball their hitting power was huge. They linked this to a very strong defence, making Swiss Cottage very formidable opponents.
Set one started evenly enough, with both sides serving and receiving well. Wessex’s Paula Snow also scored with a couple of well placed middle attacks. Wessex eased into a slender lead at 14-16, but the outside power attack of Maria Prestini started to dominate proceedings for the Londoners. She started to find a way around the Wessex block, and with a series of hard hit smashes she closed the deficit and then opened a five point gap for Swiss Cottage. Wessex regrouped with a couple of time outs, but the damage had been done and the London based team closed out 25-20. The second set was a tight affair, with Wessex scoring consistently through Leanne Eddie, and good defence from Debbie Spokes and Sarah Palmer, the visitors started to fight back well. Prestini remained a thorn in the Wessex side though. Despite opening a 4 point gap to lead 16-20, Swiss Cottage always remained in contention. The referee then came into contention, missing several illegal plays from the hosts as their back court setter came through into front court to play the ball directly over the net. This enabled Swiss Cottage to level at 24-24 and then score two devastating attacks to take the set 26-24
With their backs right up against the wall Wessex knew they were in a real fight and their character started to really show in the third. Some very intelligent setting from Sophia Speigal fed Leanne Eddie, Jess Smith and Katja Gless, as Wessex finally gained some dominance. Establishing an early lead the Dorset based team never relinquished their advantage. The pressure started to tell on Swiss Cottage and they started to make unforced errors, in particular several services which were hit too long. In the heart of the Wessex defence Henri Creasy also started to pick up some of the Londoners big hitting. Wessex Closed the set 20-25 to gain a foothold in the match. Swiss Cottage’s coach Danny Primus, made several tactical changes at the start of the fourth and this helped re-establish the home sides confidence. Playing a two setter system, they immediately stole a 4 point lead and this grew as Wessex again failed to control the London power attack of Prestini. With the very loud crowd right behind Swiss Cottage, the atmosphere was tense, especially as the referee then pulled up the home setter for a couple of handling errors. The lead established by Swiss Cottage was to prove decisive though. Wessex managed to stem the flow of points from their opponents but they couldn’t significantly reduce the deficit and the match was closed out with a 25-16 win. Swiss Cottage move on to the semi finals where they will meet either Loughborough or City of Wolverhampton. On yesterdays form, this is a match they are more than capable of winning.
Wessex were: Creasy, Eddie, Gless, Palmer S, Smith, Snow, Speigal, Spokes
SOUTHWEST JUNIOR VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS Wessex took teams to the South West Junior Volleyball Championships at Plymouth on Saturday and took two of the four titles. The Under 17Girls were missing three players due to National League commitment’s but still put in a strong performance before losing 3-1 in the Final to Melksham. The Under 15 girls also finished as runners up but impressed everybody with their skilful play especially as most were much younger than their opponents. The U15’s did qualify for the last eights of the National Cup on the 3rd March in Worcester. The Under 17 Men were a class apart as they won each of their matches with ease. Ross Molero, Dan Hunter, Oli Kimber, Ollie Batt, Dan Newman, Tristan Dampney, Steve Nation- Grainger, Craig Duckmanton and Tom Ridge all starred in the 2-0 wins against Melksham, Countrymen and Chosen Hill in Wessex’s romp to the Championship title. The Under 15 boys had to work much harder in a very close competition and there were tense moments at the end as the Championship title went down to points difference. The final calculation showed that Wessex had the superior record which pushed Priory from Weston Super Mare into 2nd. Wessex included five under age players in their squad of 9 and the lack of experience showed a little in the first match against Melksham. Will Creasy, Ryan Palmer and Aaron Walrond made good contributions in the 25-18 25-18 win. Wessex played really well in the first set against Priory. Aaron Garrett and Thom Rigden blocked effectively as Joe Lambe and Tom McArthur passed accurately to setter Ryan Merrell. Powerful outside hitting from Harry Pamiglone proved to be unstoppable as Wessex won 25-15. The second set was closer and too many mistakes gave Priory the lead. Controlled serving from Rigden gave Wessex a chance but a net touch saw the set go to Priory 25-23. It was a similar story against Plymouth. A brilliant first set dominated by Pamiglone, Lambe and Merrell and with some good touches from Matt Hunter saw Wessex win 25-14. In the second errors crept in again. Garrett’s middle play won some points and intelligent setting from Merrell gave Lambe and Pampiglone the chance to score on the wing. It was crunch time at 24-24 with the next point winning the set. Unfortunately for Wessex, another error gave it to Plymouth. Overall it was an encouraging performance by the young Wessex team and they also go the the last eights of the National Cup in March Under 13 Winners Pitman Memorial Volleyball Tournament 100 local volleyballers took part in the 4th annual Mark Pitman Memorial Volleyball Tournament at Poole Sports Centre just before Christmas. Having entered individually, the organisers formed 16 equal strength teams competing on 4 courts. Players ranged from youngsters and adults in their first year of competitive volleyball to England internationals.Eventual winners were Team Luis (named after the Cuban player Mireya Luis), comprising Lee Virril, Mike Royles, Leanne Eddie, Dave Bright, Ailsa Crammond and Nicky Osborne, who beat Team Walsh in the Final.
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