Wessex volleyball club, beach and indoor volleyball news

Paige joined Wessex at the age of eight having decided to give up the trampoline, football and swimming for volleyball. When she joined she was already a skilled player as her parents, Nick Nelmes and Tracy Rampling, were players in the international and national England Volleyball programs.    Wessex had an outstanding young team and Paige was an important member of the side that won many completions at regional level in the under elevens, twelve's and fourteens and on the beach over the past five years.   In 2008 the Wessex Under 14's came Runners Up in the National Volleyball Cup.

In September last year Paige was one of several Wessex players selected for the England Juniors development squad and since then she played for England against a USA team in London.      This year she was selected for the UK School Games team along with four Wessex colleagues, their strength was such that they went on to win the 2008 completion and received the Gold medal.

Recently Paige was selected to play for England against Scotland indoor which took place in Glasgow on December the 19th and 20th and this will be her first international.

In addition at the recent England camp, Paige who is now fifteen was also selected to represent Great Britain to play Beach Volleyball in the Australian Under 19 Youth Games to be held in Adelaide in January 2009.

For the future Paige as her sights on being selected for the UK School Games 2009 and 2010 which she qualifies for up to age sixteen, and to play for England as many times as she can to gain match experience at that level.   In addition she may return to Australia in 2010 for the next round of Youth Olympics.

Paige still has a goal to attend the Olympics at some stage, who knows maybe London 2012.

South West Junior Championships
Wessex took three teams to the South West Junior Championships and came away with three titles.

The Under 15 boys overcame North Devon and Kings from Exeter and as a result will play in the Finals of the National Cup being held on the 29 Mch at Birmingham University.

The first match was against Kings but it wasn’t a great start by Wessex as they missed their first serve and then got in the wrong rotation. Things improved quickly as Tom McArthur showed his clever use of a range of attacking skills to win points. Dominating net play by Matt Hunter and Andrew Clayton saw Wessex draw away to win 25-18. In the second set intelligent play by the whole team stopped Kings using their best attacker. By contrast Ryan Palmer and Ryan Stout were able to spread their sets to all the Wessex hitters thanks to the passing unit of Hunter and McArthur. The set was won 25-15. Wessex were really starting to gel well and the scores in the next two sets demonstrated this with Jack Arnold, Connor Duggan and Sam Walrond all making good contributions. This combined with a switch of serving tactics from Stout and Aaron Walrond hard hitting on the outside the sets were won 25-13 25- 11.

This 4-0 win was followed by another against North Devon. Excellent serving from Clayton and Palmer caused Devon plenty of problems but it was McArthur and Hunter who were proving unstoppable. Arnold also served well and although Sam Walrond made a couple of brilliant backcourt retrievals Wessex were, in the main, totally in control. The sets were won 25-12 25-15 25-10 25-7.

Squad – Ryan Palmer, Tom McArthur, Matt Hunter, Ryan Stout, Andrew Clayton, Aaron Walrond, Connor Duggan, Jack Arnold and Sam Walrond.

The Under 17 Men had a much tougher road to victory. Missing two of their England Junior players through injury and with others playing in the U15 competition Wessex had to pull in 15 year old newcomer, Ziggy Kajota and 13 year old Ben Torrens. It was the older players who didn’t step up to start with and Kings soon took advantage by taking a 21-11 lead. Wessex began to find their form and got back to 17-21 before a missed serve and some poor passing gave Kings the set 25-17. Pulling in Hunter and McArthur for the second set saw Wessex give a much better performance and they cruised to a 25 –10 set win. The deciding set went the same way as Wessex won 15-7. The next match was against the highly rated Melksham team but Joe Lambe, despite his injured ankle, and Tyler Everitt dominated the net play to help the team to a first set win 25-19. Ryan Merrell was having an excellent game in the setting position and he continued to feed Lambe who was proving unstoppable on the wing. Everitt varied his game effectivily in the middle and with Sam Pritcher serving well and playing the safe role on court the set was finally won 25-23.

The last match was against North Devon who were also unbeaten. Combining well, Lambe, Everitt, Merrell and Pitcher saw Wessex to a 25-12 first set win. Good passing from Torrens and a run of five serves from Kajota set Wessex on their way to a 25-18 second set hard fought win.

Squad Joe Lambe, Ryan Merrell, Tyler Everitt, Sam Pritcher, Ben Torrens, Ziggy Kajota.

The Under 15 girls were equally as impressive, winning all their games 2-0.Squad Paige Nelmes, Annie Tinker, Aimee Fanner, Sophie Fanner, Marianne McGrath,

The squads would like to thank all their supporters who once again gave every encouragement.

Wessex Junior Men Win Again
Wessex Junior Men kept up their amazing record in the National Under 18 Cup by again reaching the Last 8’s of the competition which will be held in March in Nottingham.

The boys travelled to Brentwood at the weekend with a large number of supporters whose support proved to be invaluable. Wessex had to win their three matches and things started well against Hillingdon with captain Aaron Robertson serving into a 4-0 lead. Hillingdon started to cause a few problems of their own before successful attacks from Craig Duckmanton, Tyler Everitt and Tom Ridge saw Wessex pull ahead to win 25-17. The second set followed along the same lines and with penetrating serving from Daniel Marsh and accurate passing from Jon Salt and Ryan Merrell it went to Wessex 25-13.

The second match was against Whipps. Coach Lynn Allen fielded a mix of Under 18 players, Robertson, Ridge and Dan Riddle with three Under 16’s, Everitt, Joe Lambe and Richard Yates. A stunning performance followed with the team losing just three points. Rotating the squad in the second set did little to disrupt the rhythm and control. The 25-7 win saw 14 year old prospect Matt Hunter play his part and included an exhibition display of skill and vision from Luke Bartlett.

The last match was against a very talented Chadwell Heath team from Brentwood who had been equally impressive in their matches. The net warm up got very heated so both teams were really fired up for the start. Unstoppable middle hitting from Ridge, combining brilliantly with setter Robertson, gave Wessex the early advantage but a few unforced errors let Chadwell Heath back into the game. Lambe and Salt’s passing allowed Wessex to fully utilise Ridge and Duckmanton who was giving an impressive performance to the wings. With Lambe also hitting well and Riddle getting some vital blocks the set was won 25-21. In the second set Wessex thought they were in control but some poor line calls resulted in points against them and suddenly it was a real fight for the set. Wessex showed their character with some very determined play and great all court efforts to take a 20-18 lead. Everitt was bought on to the front court to give a bit more variation in attack while Daniel Marsh came up with two stunning blocks to help Wessex to a 25-20 win. A thoroughly impressive team performance by all squad members.

Squad Aaron Robertson, Craig Duckmanton, Tom Ridge, Joe Lambe, Dan Riddle, Dan Marsh, Tyler Everitt, Luke Bartlett, Jon Salt, Richard Yates, Ryan Merrell, Matt Hunter

South West league Match - Plymouth
The Wessex Ladies SW League team travelled to Plymouth to play two South West League matches. Despite the presence of only two experienced players, Paula Snow and Erika Lyons, the team played really well and didn't deserve a 25-19, 25-10, 25-22 defeat against last season's winners, Plymouth.

The younger players were certainly holding their own in a strong team performance and the overall strength of the team showed in the second match against Torexe from Exeter. A 25- 18 first set win gave the team confidence and they followed this with very convincing 25-15 25-15 set wins. Coach Tracy Rampling was very pleased saying

Congratulations to the following:
The Wessex boys who were selected for the South West Under 15. Joe Lambe, Matt Hunter, Aaron Garrett, Ryan Stout, Ryan Palmer and Aaron Walrond. The team won the Inter Regional Championship and both Joe and Matt were selected for the Super Six team.

The Wessex Junior Men who were selected for the South West Under 17 squad who came 4th. Aaron Robertson, Craig Duckmanton, Luke Bartlett, Danny Lewis, Dan Marsh, Tyler Everitt, Richard Yates, Tom Ridge. Aaron was also selected for the Super Six team.

The Wessex girls who represented the South West - Hannah Ridge, Helena Lumley, Annie Tinker, Emily Singleton. Annie was selected for the Super Six.

The Wessex boys selected for the England Cadet squad - Joe Lambe, Matt Hunter and Joe Garrett

The Wessex boys selected for the England Junior High Peaks Camp - Aaron Robertson, Danny Lewis, Tom Ridge, Tyler Everitt, Richard Yates and Aaron Garrett.

Good luck to the boys above and all the Wessex juniors who are going for trials for the UK School Games squads.

Under 18s at Bath
The Wessex Under 18 Men's team would like to thank all of you who travelled to Bath to support them in the National Final. The enthusiasm shown for the occasion was great to see and the support for those playing was vital. The cheering you did was easily the loudest of the weekend and we definitely had the best supporters. It is much appreciated so thank you again.

GB Squad at Weymouth & Poole Traing Camp
Great Britain's womens Volleyball squad visited Weymouth and Poole for a two day long training camp in Feb. The event featured elite training sessions for the National squad as well as sessions where the international players coached local school children and college students.

This was also supported by Wessex and No.1 ranked GB Beach Volleyball player Lucy Boulton. Running parallel GB's Head Coach, Dr Lorne Sawula ran a coaching seminar and impressed all with his willingness to help, professionalism and enthusiasm.

The Saturday evening saw a demonstration of International training and match play techniques. Invited to join in with the GB squad were Wessex TeamBath players Katja Gless and Amy Birch. Both players stepped up to the level well and Gless in particular caught the eye as she beat the GB block on several occasion with her left handed opposite attacks.

The Sunday morning saw a further training session with further guest players invited to join the squad. One lucky 10 year old also received a personal one to one coaching session with Lorne Sawula where he instructed volleying techniques for a full 15 minutes.

The training sessions featured three on three games which promoted back court attacking and wash drills which simulated full match play to develop back court skill and their link to attacking play. Team bonding and mind focus on the actual game were also areas of discussion. GB assistant coach Audrey Cooper also demonstrated defensive skills to the GB players and guest players alike.

Wessex were very grateful to the GB squad and staff for coming to the area. Whether playing or coaching, all were very impressive and they certainly gained a lot more supporters.

Newcastle were first up against Wessex but were given little opportunity to shine as Oly Batt controlled the game right from the start. Putting in several excellent serves he followed up by using the fast attacking from Oli Kimber and Alex Clare. This was complemented by outside smashes from Dan Hunter and Ross Molero. With Craig Duckmanton and Tom Ridge sharing the right hand duties the set was convincingly won 25-6. The second set followed the same pattern with Hunter finishing with a stunning crossover attack. Set 25- 17.

The start of the Richmond game saw injuries cause a few problems for Wessex. Molero suffered a facial injury while Steve Nation- Grainger pulled an arm muscle. It did little to stop the Wessex effort as Danny Lewis stepped into the attack and Luke Bartlett kept the passes coming accurately into Batt. The sets were won 25-15 and 25-8.

The quarter final was against Ashcombe from Guildford who fancied themselves as Cup winners this season. Wessex were pretty motivated themselves as Molero showed with an early point winning smash. Points were traded to 16 all with Kimber, Clare and Hunter all putting away smashes and Ridge blocking well. Hunter then stepped up with several power jump serves which gave Wessex a two point cushion. This was maintained right up to the set win of 25-23. An early stuff block from Batt gave Wessex a lift in the second set and with the superior team work a big lead was gained. Hunter finished off the set in style on the wing and from the backcourt with intelligent plays. 25-20.

Meanwhile, Redhill from Stourbridge had also progressed to the semi and were Wessex’s next opponents. For the first time Wessex looked a little unsure and Redhill took full advantage with powerful smashes. Kimber was still causing problems in the middle and this kept Wessex within range. The passing from Hunter, Dampney, Bartlett and Nation- Grainger was very good but it didn’t stop Redhill having a set point at 24-23. Despite the pressure Hunter stepped up to show great courage with two crucial jump power serves which swung the advantage back to Wessex. They were showing great focus and determination and with Robertson now setting Wessex finally clinched the set 26-24.

The second set saw a brilliant performance from Wessex. Robertson was excelling, and Kimber came up with a stuff block. Dampney put Redhill under pressure with his serve and this was followed by a run of fine jump float serves from Duckmanton. Hunter, Clare and Ridge were dominating the net play but it was the pressure from all the team that Redhill couldn’t cope with. There was a slight lack of concentration as Molero, Bartlett and Nation- Grainger were brought back into the action but with Wessex having lots of match point it didn’t really matter. The set was won 25-14.

The semi final win capped a superb weekend performance from the Wessex boys who combined good technical skill with tremendous focus and determination.

Squad – Dan Hunter, Oli Kimber, Ross Molero, Alex Clare, Oly Batt, Tristan Dampney, Steve Nation-Grainger, Tom Ridge, Aaron Robertson, Craig Duckmanton, Luke Bartlett, Danny Lewis

Last 8's for the Under 16 Boys National Cup
A very young Wessex team qualified for the last 8’s of the U16 National Cup and although they didn’t qualify for the semi’s they did gain valuable experience in a tough pool.

Thom Rigden started impressively for Wessex against Middlesborough as Ryan Merrill and Matt Hunter set up attacking opportunities.

Despite controlled passing from Joe Lambe Wessex couldn’t maintain the momentum and lost 2-0. Best performance of the day was against eventual finalists, Ernest Bevin, London.

Harry Pampigilone got in some good blocks but it was 14 year olds, Aaron Garrett and Richard Yates who really shone and impressed all. In the second set the same pattern followed with Tyler Everitt also contributing well in the middle.

Although Wessex eventually lost 2-0 it was a fine performance in a thrilling match. Last up was Boswells who also reached the final, but despite good defence from Ryan Palmer and penetrating serves from Aaron Walrond, Andrew Hargroves and Ryan Stout the match was lost 2-0.

Having qualified as a group winner in the previous round, Wessex were one of the seeded teams in their quarter-final group. They started strongly against Boswells, Essex, winning by 2 sets to 0, 25-14, 25-17. However, Wirral proved to be tougher opponents in their second match, shocking Wessex by taking the first set, 25-22. Wessex stirred themselves and stormed back to take the second set 25-12, and then held on take the third set by 15-12.

In their final group match, against the 2007 losing Finalists, Tettenhall Wolverhampton, Wessex struggled to contain the smashing power of their taller opponents, losing the first set 25-21. However, Wessex dug deep again in the second, with Phoebe Jeffrey and Sophia Speigal leading the way to a 25-22 win. In the third set, Tettenhall showed their power again and, despite the fighting spirit of the Wessex team, won 15-13.

This defeat meant that Wessex were second in their group, and played against the winners of the other group, Ashcombe Dorking, in the semi-final. Once again, the superior height of their opponents (all but one player over 5 ft 10in) made the difference, giving Ashcombe a 25-21 first set win. In the second set, Wessex fought back again, pushing Ashcombe all the way, but eventually losing an agonising 28-26.

Squad : Phoebe Jeffrey, Sophia Speigal, Sophie Boyd, Laura Singleton, Emma Colyer, Hannah Ridge, Zoe McAulay, Georgie Tinker, Jane Royles, Hannah Corbin, Ailsa Crammond, Annie Tinker.

Wessex Girls are the National Under 14 Volleyball Runners up..
The Wessex Girls were National Under 14 Runners Up in the event held in London at the weekend. The four, Paige Nelmes, Annie Tinker, Aimee and Sophie Fanner, lost 2-0 in the Final to Newcastle, Staffs. These were the only sets the girls have dropped all season and with the twins a year younger they have done brilliantly

Wessex Boys are the National Under 14 Volleyball Champions.
The local team travelled to London at the weekend to compete against 14 other teams in the last stages of the competition, introduced by the English Volleyball Assoc for the first time this year. Wessex had entered the Cup along with over 100 other teams and qualified for this weekend’s event by winning the South West Championship held in December.

Wessex knew they had to win their pool to reach the semi final and started with a comfortable win against Nottingham. 25-14 25-10. The next match was against, what was felt may be the toughest match in the pool, Newcastle. They were aggressive and took an early lead as a few setting mistakes put Wessex under pressure. Good all round play by Aaron Walrond and Tom McArthur kept Wessex within a point but at 19-20 down the momentum shifted and Wessex surged ahead to eventually win 25-22. The second set was also close but Wessex took an early lead and maintained it to win 25-20. The team were now playing very well as a unit and had too much experience for Hillingdon (London) and Acklam Grange from Middlesborough. The wins were 25-8 25-9 and 25-14 25-12 respectively.

Semi Final opponents were Stoke but it was Wessex who got off to a dream start. However it looked as though Stoke would start to reduce the deficit when a poor Wessex pass flew off court. Walrond raced after it, dived and hit the ball over his head back into the corner of Stoke’s court. They were stunned and Wessex took full advantage. A fine run of serves from Ryan Palmer and dominant net play by Matt Hunter gave Wessex what looked an unassailable lead. To their credit Stoke tried to fight back but Wessex were too good and won 25-15. The second set followed the same pattern but no end of set dramas this time resulted in an easier win of 25-8.

Wessex faced Newcastle Under Lyme in the Final after they had had a close 2-1 win against Boswells (Essex) in their semi. Again Wessex started brilliantly. Palmer setting up attacks for Hunter, Walrond and McArthur which gave them a7-1 lead. Blocks from Hunter and Walrond increased the advantage to 12-5. Whenever Newcastle u Lyme gained a point it was equalled by smashes from Hunter and McArthur while Walrond continued to excel in the backcourt and Palmer scored more points on the serve. A good comeback effort by Newcastle U Lyme, as Wessex relaxed and then had trouble re establishing their attack, wasn’t quite enough in the end as the set was won 25- 21.

With noisy Newcastle u Lyme supporters trying to put them off and a few questionable refereeing decisions going against them would Wessex be able to keep their nerve ? Showing terrific mental strength for boys of their age they ignored everything going on to build up another big lead. Passing and serving was error free and three blocks in a row from McArthur increased the advantage. The Wessex players were now playing some superb volleyball using their ability and tactical awareness to full affect. There was no end of set fight back this time and with Hunter proving unstoppable at the net set was won 25 – 18.

Wessex had won the first ever National title at this age group without dropping a set all season – an amazing achievement.

England honors
Congratulations to Aaron Robertson and Dan Riddle who played for England Cadets in Austria over the 2nd / 3rd Feb weekend. England won the tournament and Aaron was voted ''Best Setter''.

The semi final win capped a superb weekend performance from the Wessex boys who combined good technical skill with tremendous focus and determination.

Squad – Dan Hunter, Oli Kimber, Ross Molero, Alex Clare, Oly Batt, Tristan Dampney, Steve Nation-Grainger, Tom Ridge, Aaron Robertson, Craig Duckmanton, Luke Bartlett, Danny Lewis

Thom Rigden started impressively for Wessex against Middlesborough as Ryan Merrill and Matt Hunter set up attacking opportunities.

Despite controlled passing from Joe Lambe Wessex couldn’t maintain the momentum and lost 2-0. Best performance of the day was against eventual finalists, Ernest Bevin, London.

Squad : Phoebe Jeffrey, Sophia Speigal, Sophie Boyd, Laura Singleton, Emma Colyer, Hannah Ridge, Zoe McAulay, Georgie Tinker, Jane Royles, Hannah Corbin, Ailsa Crammond, Annie Tinker.

Wessex had won the first ever National title at this age group without dropping a set all season – an amazing achievement.

Wessex win South West Junior Champiomships
3 out of 4 Teams Victorious
Wessex’s junior volleyball squads travelled to Melksham at the weekend to play in the South West Championships and came away as winners of 3 of the 4 events.

The Under 17 boys showed the way with convincing wins against Ivybridge 38-13, North Devon 49-14, Kings from Exeter 42-17 and Chosen Hill from Cheltenham 34-18. All the squad performed well in a Wessex side far more experienced and skilful than the opposition. Especially pleasing was the outstanding team spirit.

Craig Duckmanton, Chris Sanderson, Luke Bartlett, Tom Ridge, Danny Lewis, Jon Salt, Harry Pampigilone, Dan Merrell, Dan Marsh, Ryan Merrell.

The Wessex Under 15 boys faced a much tougher test. Team Southampton were a very impressive side with some big hitters but a block from Joe Lambe shifted the net play in Wessex’s favour and they took a lead. Ryan Stout and Matt Hunter set up some good attacks while Ryan Palmer defended well. The match was won 32-24. It didn’t get any easier as next up were Mavericks from Melksham. Some good serving from Aaron Walrond and Tom McArthur gave Wessex a lead and although Mavericks got close the front court play of Aaron Garrett sealed the 24-17 win. The players made hard work of their match against North Devon despite good efforts from Kieran Norris, Joe Garrett and Sam Walrond but still ran out 34-18 victors. Last match was against Kings from Exeter but the domination of Lambe. Hunter and Garrett gave Wessex a 38-17 win and the Championship.

The Under 15 girls are a very talented team and it showed in victories against North Devon, Melksham and Devizes which secured the title. Squad – Paige Nelmes, Annie Tinker, Helena Lumley, Hannah Ridge, Emily Charlton, Emily Singleton, Sophie Fanner, Aimee Fanner.

Both the Wessex u15 Boys and Girls team now go through to the National Cup Finals.

The U17 girls also played well and after pool wins just lost by 2 points in the final against Mavericks. Squad – Sarah Keen, Ailsa Crammond, Zoe McAuley, Freya Ray-Brown, Charlotte Lee, Hannah Corbin, Zyanya Jackson and Katie Keen.

Wessex under 16 boys qualify
Wessex Under 16 boys have qualified for the final stages of the National Volleyball Cup after coming through the second round of pool matches. Despite a loss to Newcastle the boys showed great spirit to beat Staffs and Melksham to reach the last 8’s.

Harry Pampigilone and Joe Lambe got Wessex off to a good start against Melksham with some point winning smashes set up by Ryan Merrell and Matt Hunter. With Ryan Palmer helping in defence the first set was won 25-17. More of the same followed as the superior Wessex serve and receive kept them in control. Tom McArthur provided a good supporting role as the set was won 25-14.

Match of the day was Wessex v Newcastle. Evenly matched until the mid point of the set the backcourt smashing of Newcastle’s opposite hitter swung it their way. Under pressure it was only the serving of Aaron Walrond that kept Wessex in the set before it was finally lost 25-20. In the second set it was Wessex, showing great character, that responded with some brilliant blocks, smashing from Lambe and intelligent play from Pampigilone. Ryan Stout came on to take over the setting duites and Thom Rigden benefited with some strong attacking. Wessex held a 2 point lead to 18-16 but then a run of missed serves saw the match swing back to Newcastle who went on to win 25-20.

Wessex had to bounce back with a win against Staffs and did so brilliantly. With all the team getting in some stuff blocks and Palmer excelling in the backcourt Wessex soon took a big lead. Lambe continued to pass accurately while Aaron Garrett used his height to good advantage at the net. The set was won 25-14. In the second McArthur had a good serving run while Merrell and Hunter set up Pampigilone, Rigden and Lambe for more kills. The set was won 25-16.

Squad – Harry Pampigilone, Joe Lambe, Ryan Merrell, Matt Hunter, Thom Rigden, Aaron Garrett, Tom McArthur, Ryan Palmer, Ryan Stout, Aaron Walrond

Wessex under 18 Junior Men reach last 8's
Wessex Under 18 Junior Men started the defence of their National Under 18 Volleyball title with three matches in Cheltenham at the weekend. The first match against Newcastle looked to be the toughest of the group and so it turned out. Oly Batt set up good attacks right from the start but the powerful Wessex smashes were recovered brilliantly by the Newcastle defence. Missed serves stopped Wessex gaining an instance advantage and then when the serves did go in they weren’t of sufficient quality to trouble Newcastle. The consequence of this was a strong attack which the Wessex block and backcourt struggled to cope with. Alex Clare made a series of excellent retrievals to keep the teams level before Wessex started to control the net play. Dan Hunter and Oli Kimber combined so well that their opponent’s block started to struggle and Wessex won the first set 25-17. The second set was more comfortable for Wessex as they always held a comfortable lead. A good run of blocks from Ross Molero, Tristan Dampney and Kimber saw the lead extended before Craig Duckmanton and Aaron Robertson came on to finish the set off 25-18.

Chosen Hill were the home opponents and they put up a good fight without having the experience or ability to really trouble the Champions. Steven Nation – Grainger and Tom Ridge came on to play through the middle as coach Lynn Allen changed the team around. This showed the strength of the Wessex squad as the set was won 25-12. 14 year old Joe Lambe was showing good control in the backcourt and Danny Lewis had an excellent serving run which saw Wessex to a 25-10 win.

Last match was against Redhill, Midlands, a much younger team and in view of this Wessex were able to switch their team around. Robertson combined well with Ridge and the impressive A. Clare in the middle before Hunter showed his true form with a serious of thunderbolt smashes. Duckmanton put in some penetrating jump float serves as Molero, Dampney and Nation – Grainger were enjoying themselves on the front court. The set was won 25-8. In the second Wessex showed a variety of fast attacking moves which proved unstoppable and the set was won 25-11.

Wessex go through to the last 8’s of the competition on the 9th March in Stoke.

Squad - Dan Hunter, Alex Clare, Oli Kimber, Tristan Dampney, Oly Batt, Ross Molero, Steven Nation-Grainger, Tom Ridge, Aaron Robertson, Craig Duckmanton, Danny Lewis, Joe Lambe

The Active Dorset Awards recognise and celebrate the activities and achievements of individuals who have played a significant role in sport within Dorset. There were 14 awards across a number of categories which also recognised the commitment of people “behind the scenes”. The Young Sportsperson of the Year Award is for; “the individual who has achieved a significant level of success at national and international level, or has demonstrated a consistently high quality level of performance over a season within their sport at County level or above”

Dan was nominated following a successful year with Wessex and England. His nomination read; “Having previously represented the South West in junior competitions and the England Cadets abroad, Dan has gone on to play for his Country at junior level. He now has several England Junior caps and looks certain to add to these.

Dan, at the age of 16 played in the Wessex National League Division 2 side and now, in his second season is one of the most important players. Dan was captain of the Wessex under 18 team who became English champions in April and he received the Most Valuable Player Award. He was also named the most valuable player in England’s match against Denmark.

Dan was captain of the England South team playing in the UK School Games and again was awarded the Most Valuable Player. Dan and his partner have also been the English under 18 Beach Champions for the last two years”.

Dan was thrilled to accept the award and grateful for the nomination which reflects his hard work and dedication to the local club and national volleyball scene, which he hopes will one day lead to an Olympic Team place. “It may seem like a dream but it’s one that keeps me challenged and excited. I’ve had a great year and just love playing. In the meantime, I want to learn and improve and have some great support locally and nationally”.

In early January Dan will be representing England in The European Championships in Denmark against the hosts and Montenegro.

Aaron Robertson and Dan Riddle have been selected for the England Cadets to travel to Austria at the end of January and Dan Hunter is playing for the England Juniors in the European Championships in Denmark against the hosts and Montenegro at the moment.

The first set started evenly without either team able to gain an advantage. Helen Brown did however gain some success through Wessex's wing attack. With the scores at 11-12 in Riga's favour, four unforced errors on the trot handed the visitors a five point cushion, and despite the rivalry at the net being resumed, the gap could not be closed, allowing Warwick to take the set 17-25.

Wessex TeamBath came out fighting in the second, with the hosts able to field GB's no 1 ranked Beach player Lucy Boulton for the first time this season in their line up. Boulton and Vicky Palmer both scored well early on for Wessex, and with setter Simone Lewis linking well with team Captain Shauna Mullin, Wessex took over the dominace. The set looked like heading Wessex's way when the home team made it 5 points clear at 19-14. Riga's coach Tom Young had other ideas though, and a couple of tactical substitutions changed the complexity of the set and two brilliant defensive plays the visitors pulled Warwick back into the fray. The scores levelled at 23-23 and Wessex were in real danger of going 2 sets down. A strong Warwick serve was received perfectly by Henri Creasy and Simone Lewis's high set to Lucy Boultonwas was met with one of the hardest smashes seen this season. Riga had no answer to the hit and a deft float serve from Lizzie Smith manage to close the set 25-23 in Wessex' TeamBaths favour.

Set three started with another battle to gain control, and the struggle continued all the way through as neither team established a lead of more than two points in a see saw affair. Boulton and Mullin looked good for the Wessex attack, while Henri Creasy covered a lot of ground in the backcourt. In the end though Warwick won the day at the net and they re-established their sets lead with another 23-25 win.

It was now Wessex's turn to dig deep and thatas just what happened. The quality of defensive pass improved and Wessex's cover around the block started to pick up more of the Riga attacks. Rigas small squad was starting to tire and their powerful smashes started to be replaced with subtle tips. Wessex picked up on the change of tactictics and as the set wore on, more and more balls were fed high for Lucy Boultons power attack. This had the winning efect and the session went to the home side 25-22, levelling the match.

The match entered the fifth and deciding set evenly poised. Both sides having a real claim to the spoils. The crowd played its part at this stage and the home squad were lifted by the support. Although Wessex lost the first few points to unforced errors they soon found the ascendency to change ends, mainly thanks to some very good serving from Palmer. The squad managed to change ends 8-5 ahead, and in the short fifth set this lead proved to be decisive. The lead was extended by Boulton on the wing who was now scoring almost at will and some great blocking by Mullin manage to knock the fight out of Riga. Wessex went on to win the set and the mage with a margin of 15-10

Wessex had to pull out all the stops to maintain their winning run. The victory sees Wessex top the National League Division One table for the first time this season. The match started disastrously for the hosts as City of Wolverhampton exploited the home defence. Vanessa Lucas, Jacqui Manning and Vicky Wilson all scoring for the visitors as Wessex found themselves 1-7 down.

The gap was then further widened as attacking errors from Wessex forced a time out to allow a regroup. Immediately Wessex replaced their setter introducing Veronica Orfanidou into the match and her height at the net allowed Wessex to set a much stronger block against the wing attack threat of Lucas. Trailing 6-14, Wessex began to peg back the points and eventually they levelled at 22-22. With momentum in the host’s camp, it looked as though Wessex would go on to take the opener. Wolves had other ideas and some brilliant defence forced the ball unexpectedly back into Wessex’s court, totally flat footing their backcourt. Two strong serves were not dealt with and the set was lost 23-25.

The second set was even more emphatic in Wolverhampton’s favour, as Wessex played catch up for the entire set. Wessex’s defence we not covering around the block with any meaningful effect, slowly but surely the visitors took a stranglehold and closed out with a 19-25 win and a strong 0-2 sets lead.

Total reshuffle was now order of the day for Wessex. They moved middle hitter Shauna Mullin into the opposite hitting role, and started set 3 with the very experienced Julie Smith in the middle attack role. Simone Lewis also entered play in the setting department. The move paired the tall Shauna Mullin with 6’4” Liana Herbert in the block, and the switch worked brilliantly, as Wessex could now put up a wall of hands at the net to cancel out Wolves wing. It was now Wessex turn to gain the ascendancy and with Herbert and Smith gaining significant success through the middle, Wessex gained themselves a foothold in the match with a 25-19 set win.

Sending out an unchanged line up for the fourth, Wolves tried to counter Wessex’s middle. This tactic was read by Simone Lewis and she started to fire the ball out to Helen Brown on the wing, and employ Julie Smiths reverse slide hitting on the other wing. This had the effect of stretching the Wolves defence. Despite some brilliant backcourt plays from the visitors Lucas and Manning. Wessex edged a very close set with a 25-23.

Going into the deciding fifth set Wolves started to look tired, and with only 8 players, Wessex’s large squad of 12 had the upper hand fitness wise. Mullin continued to score well with her smashes but the real match winner was the Wessex block, the repeated shut Lucas’ left hand power attack out. Wessex managed to change ends with a three point 8-5 lead, but upon resumption, the class of the home squad really started to show. Gabi Medricka produced a string of great serves to extend the lead to a match winning margin and it was no surprise that the Wolves heads dropped. Julie Smith closed the match out with a serve that the visitors could only fire into the net. The final score being 15-6.

Helen Brown, Henri Creasy, Katja Gless, Liana Herbert, Simone Lewis, Gabi Medricka, Shauna Mullin, Veronica Orfanidou, Janna Rogers, Lizzie Smith, Julie Smith, Steph Smith.

Wessex’s next match in another fixture vital to their championship challenge. They have a home fixture against Warwick Riga (the only team to beat Wessex this season). The match will be played at Carter College, Hamworthy on Saturday Warm up is at 1:00. With no short time injuries to report Wessex expect to be at full strength.

Television Stars
Geoff Allen rec'd a phone call late one Friday from the producers of the television show, Primeval asking if we could arrange for six female volleyball players to spend Monday on Bournemouth beach to be part of the filming for an episode which will be shown in Feb 2008. With expenses being paid, a chance to appear on television and an opportunity to promote beach volleyball it was hoped that six players could be found at such short notice. A quick phone call to Helen Brown at the Brighton beach event saw her arrange for herself, Liane Herbert, Vicky Palmer and Kerri Olding to make up the six with Phoebe Jeffrey and Sophia Spegial. We were told by the film crew that all had gone well and Helen said '' It was a great day, and brilliant that beach volleyball was included. We hope that volleyball can be seen as a serious sport and that we are portrayed professionally.'' We are not giving away the plot so you will have to watch in Feb !

Wessex recieves Poole Council Awards
During the summer Wessex Volleyball Club received awards from Poole Council. The Wessex Under 18 Junior Men were awarded Certificates of Commendation in respect of their National Championship win and Geoff and Lynn Allen were presented with the Freddie Rowe trophy for Services to Sport in Poole.

National League Division 1 volleyball
Swiss Cottage 1 Wessex TeamBath 3
Wessex TeamBath's good run of form continued at the weekend when they secured a fine away win in London. The victory came at a cost though. Outside hitter Kerri Olding suffered a serious knee injury that will keep her out of action for the forseeable future.

The first set started well enough for Wessex and they eased into a slender lead at 18-15. Shauna Mullin looking particularly impressive at the net for the visitors. Swiss cottage fought back to level at 21-21 and a rotational error by the Wessex players was noticed by the match officials which resulted in loss of serve and the deduction of two pints from Wessex's total. This handed the impetus to Swiss Cottage and they closed the set out 25-23.

A much more determined Wessex started the second set, and again it was Mullin dominating at the net. Wessex established an early lead, but as in the first set it was the home team that fougt back, and this time they went on to establish a 6 point lead for themselves. With the prospect of going 2 sets to 0 down, the Wessex players really started to graft, Gabi Medricka managing to claw Wessex back into the match with some very powerful smashing through position 2. Kerri Olding and Helen Brown also had success through the wings. The set eventually went Wessex's way with a convincing 25-17 win.Set three was an evenly contested affair as neither side could establish a significant lead. The teams traded points right up the latter stages when a brilliant block from Shauna Mullin flatfooted the Swiss defence. For the first time Wessex opend up a sleander lead which they managed to maintain to close out at 25-22.

Going into the fourth set Wessex setter Simone Lewis used all her experience to move the ball along the net. Her hitters made no mistake and with the Swiss block pulled apart Wessex managed to score a series of point winning plays. At 17-11 up Wessex were in control. Then came the injury to Olding. She ruptured her collateral knee ligament which meant there was a 10 minute delay in the match as the injury was so serious. Kerri was eventually replaced by Katja Gless who immediatly found point scoring success of her own. The set and the match going Wessex's way with a 25-18 victory.

Wessex TeamBaths next match is National KO Cup Round 2 match when the squad travel to play Team Southampton. The hosts are currently lying at the foot of division 3 (South), so the form book suggests that Wessex should be favourites

Wessex Weemes in GB Squad
Danny Weemes who came up through the Wessex junior ranks is currently playing his volleyball in Holland with the Great Britain squad. The squad is playing as Martinus in the Dutch 1st Division in order to get better preparation for the Olympics.

England Callup for Dan
Wessex Volleyball star, Dan Hunter from Poole was called up to the England Junior Men’s Squad for the recent NEVZA tournament in Norway. The Poole Grammar School Sixth former was thrilled to have been selected. “My ambition is to be part of the England Squad for the 2012 Olympics so it is important for me to have these opportunities” said Dan.

The tournament pitched the young England team up against some tough opposition from Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and the hosts Norway. Their opening match went to five sets against an experienced and tough Swedish team which saw England eventually losing 3 – 2.

Dan was delighted to receive the “most valuable player” award. In their second match, against Denmark, the team tired quickly and lost 3 – 1 before playing the eventual winners Norway. Despite losing that match 3 – 0

Dan added, “The Norwegian team have a 22 hour per week training schedule so were physically and mentally stronger than we were. However, we pushed them hard in all three games and with some strong serving and blocking, caused them to change their tactics. We took a lot of encouragement from that match”.

This was reflected in their final match against Iceland, which saw the England team 3 – 0 winners and Dan left to reflect. “We were not expected to do well, so to win 6 games against that level of opposition was a terrific achievement. We have learned a lot and will develop as a team the more we play together”

England South Cadets
Daniel Marsh, Joe Lambe and Matt Hunter have been invited to attend the next England South Cadet squad training session after impressing in the recent trial.

Wessex sent two boys teams to the South West Mini Volleyball Grand Prix at Burnham on Sea, and despite the unavailability of some players, came away with victory in the Under 14's and 2nd in the Under 15's. Under 14 team - Matt Hunter, Tom McArthur, Aaron Walrond and Keiran Norris. Under 15 - Joe Lambe, Ryan Palmer and Sam Walrond.

Wessex Beat Loughborough
National Volleyball League Men's Div 2 - Wessex vs Loughborough Students, Loughborough University, 29th September 2007
Results:
Set 1: 25-23 Set 2: 25-13 Set 3: 19-25 Set 4: 25-15

Wessex continued their promising start to the season following their 3-1 victory against Loughborough Students. This win follows last weeks 3-1 victory against Brentwood.

Chris Dawe's inspired play and Dave Hubbard's consistent passing gave Wessex the edge in a closely matched first set. The team added to their momentum, and pushed on to win the second set, using Bobby Hudson's solid defence and a run of serves from Rob Semmence.

Wessex dropped their guard in the third set and, through a number of unforced errors, enabled the opposition to take control of the game. In an attempt to turn things around Dan Hunter come on for Hudson before the fourth set started.

However, Wessex struggled to maintain their lead until, at 8-13 down, Semmence boosted their confidence with a run of 10 serves and Hubbard and Dawe unleashed a series of powerful attacks which provided the team with the opportunity they needed to win.

Team: Richard Collins (Capt.), David Cuthbert, Chris Dawe, Mark Garcia-Kidd, David Hubbard, Bobby Hudson, Dan Hunter, Matt Pretty, Aaron Robertson & Robert Semmence.

A delighted Zoe MacAulay played in the girls U16 team. Having lost their first match 2 - 1 to England North they went on to win their remaining games and top the Group to set up a rematch with England North in the final. With the North girls winning the first set 25 -19 the South girls dug deep and fought back to build a 6 point lead in the second set but they could not hold on to their advantage and eventually lost it 25 - 23 to finish with the silver medals.

It was a similar story for the boys U17 team. After losing their opening match to England Central the boys won their remaining matches to finish second in their Group to set up a rematch against Central in the final. Despite a brave effort, Central won 2 - 0 (25 - 15, 25 - 14) to take the gold. England captain Hunter said ''It's disappointing to miss out on the gold but Central were favourites to win and simply had too much strength and depth in their squad. It's been a really successful tournament for us and to come away with these awards recognising the determination shown by all the players''. Dan's disappointment was lessened as he received the boys award for most valuable player of the tournament. Craig Duckmanton who put in a brilliant and consistent performance as team libero added ''The whole experience has been fantastic. We have met athletes from around the UK and some famous sports personalities. It has been a really inspiring experience''

With both teams winning silver medals, England South won the overall Top Region trophy. All three players play in the local volleyball leagues in Poole with the Wessex Volleyball Club and with the 2008 UK School Games being held in Bristol & Bath there is an excellent opportunity for local players to represent their country.

If you would like to find out more about local Volleyball please contact Lynn Allen on 01202 740021 or secsqcl-wxvb@yahoo.co.uk

Craig Duckmanton, Chris Sanderson, Luke Bartlett, Tom Ridge, Danny Lewis, Jon Salt, Harry Pampigilone, Dan Merrell, Dan Marsh, Ryan Merrell.

Both the Wessex u15 Boys and Girls team now go through to the National Cup Finals.

Squad – Harry Pampigilone, Joe Lambe, Ryan Merrell, Matt Hunter, Thom Rigden, Aaron Garrett, Tom McArthur, Ryan Palmer, Ryan Stout, Aaron Walrond

Wessex go through to the last 8’s of the competition on the 9th March in Stoke.

Squad - Dan Hunter, Alex Clare, Oli Kimber, Tristan Dampney, Oly Batt, Ross Molero, Steven Nation-Grainger, Tom Ridge, Aaron Robertson, Craig Duckmanton, Danny Lewis, Joe Lambe

Wessex Dan is Dorset’s male Young Sportsperson of the Year

At a gala dinner event at Kingston Maurward College on December 6th, Wessex Volleyball star, Dan Hunter picked up the Active Dorset Award for the male Young Sportsperson of the Year.

Dan Hunter

In early January Dan will be representing England in The European Championships in Denmark against the hosts and Montenegro.

England selection

Wessex TeamBath Open up Lead for English Title
Wessex TeamBath 3 Warwick Riga 2
For the second week running Wessex TeamBath needed the full five sets to secure victory. This time it was against fellow title challengers Warwick Riga and the victory now puts the championship race firmly in Wessex's hands.

Wessex TeamBath were:- Lucy Boulton, Helen Brown, Henri Creasy, Simone Lewis, Shauna Mullin, Veronica Orfanidou, Vicky Palmer, Janna Rogers, Lizzie Smith, Steph Smith,

NATIONAL LEAGUE VOLLEYBALL

Wessex- TeamBath Become Number One Ranked Team in England in 5 Set Thriller

Wessex-TeamBath 3 City of Wolverhampton 2

Wessex were:

Helen Brown, Henri Creasy, Katja Gless, Liana Herbert, Simone Lewis, Gabi Medricka, Shauna Mullin, Veronica Orfanidou, Janna Rogers, Lizzie Smith, Julie Smith, Steph Smith.

Coaches Vince Joyce, Ian Loke

Wessex TeamBath were: Helen Brown, Kerri Olding, Shauna Mullin, Gabi Medricka, Katja Gless, Simone Lewis, Janna Rogers, Lizzie Smith

South West Mini

England Honours for Wessex Trio
Indoor Volleyball became the first team sport to be included in the UK School Games held on 23rd to 27th August 2007 - the second event at Coventry. Players were selected through a regionally structured development programme and three stars from local club Wessex were invited to represent England South.

If you would like to find out more about local Volleyball please contact Lynn Allen on 01202 740021 or secsqcl-wxvb@yahoo.co.uk

National League Volleyball

National Volleyball Knock Out Cup Semi Final
Wessex TeamBath 1 University of London Union 3
Wessex TeamBath were knocked out of the National Knock Out Cup at Keele University (Stoke).

The match agauaist University of London Union (ULU) lived upto its reputation, and produced a fiercly competetive encounter, despite the start being delayed until 9:30PM due a back log of fixtures earlier in the day.

Wessex TeamBath were without four key members of their squad for the semi final. Captain Shauna Mullin, Lucy Boulton, Liana Herbert and Vicky Palmer all missed the match due to international call ups. This handed starts to the very experienced pairing Denise Austin, and Julie Smith, and as the first set progressed, it was the former that started to gain attacking success on the Wessex wing.

Some great defending from Katja Gless also had effect as Wessex eased into a slender 16 -14 lead. The Londoners refused to be steamrollered though and their tall middle attack started to make inroads into the Wessex score line, and it was not against the run of play when ULU's Gabi Medricka exploited a touch line gap to push ULU into a lead. This time control of the set was not going to change hands as both teams matched point for point. ULU clinching the set with a 25-21.

With their backs to the wall, Wessex TeamBath started to show the form that has them heading the League table. Denise Austin lead from the front and was a continual thorn in the Londoners side. She linked well with setter Simone Lewis and the set progressed smoothly for Wessex. The gap between the two teams was never large but Wessex TeamBath always looked in control, and the match was levelled at one set apiece witha 25-17 closure.

The third set was to prove pivotal the whole match and the largest crowd of the season were treated to two sides playing top class volleyball. Teams matched each other point for point, Katja Gless was dominant at the net for Wessex and Helen Brown holding the defence together superbly. For ULU, it was Medricka who consistanty scored points and the teams battled their way to 20 points apiece. Wessex then scored a run of 4 consecutive serves, to push them 24-20 up and it looked as though Wessex were getting the upper hand with their first set point of the third. ULU took a time out, and the tactic disrupted Wessex's rythmn. ULU fought back and leveled at 24-24. Lizzie Smith then scored for Wessex to aciehve a second set point, but back came ULU and Medricka hammered home two explosive smashes as the set went the Londoners way 27-25.

The start of the fourth saw Wessex TeamBath regroup, replacing Denise Austin with Leanne Eddie. A switch that was intended to increase Wessex's firepower. A run of unforced errors from all of the Wessex players negated the player switch though and it was no suprise when ULU opened up a 12-5 lead which forced Wessex to re introduce Austin and replace Katja Gless with Amanda Glover. Glovers pressence on court stemmed the flow of points, but the damage had been done. Simone Lewis tried to vary the attack but the ULU block was reading the situation well and although the competive nature of the match was restored and Wessex started winning points of their own, they couldn't close the gap. The match slipped away with a 25-12 defeat. This was the first defeat for Wessex in fifteen League and Cup matches.

Wessex TeamBath were: Denise Austin, Helen Brown, Leanne Eddie, Katja Gless, Amanda Glover, Phoebe Jeffery, Simone Lewis, Veronica Orfanidou, Janna Rogers, Julie Smith, Lizzie Smith, Steph Smith

Coaches Vince Joyce, Ian Loke

Loughborough 1 Wessex TeamBath 3
Wessex TeamBath extended their League and Cup unbeaten run to an amazing 15 games at the weekend when they defeated Loughborough University in an away trip at Victory Hall. Only Warwick Riga can now realisticaly challenge Wessex for the English Title. With only 4 matches remaining, Wessex need only to win two and capture one set in the remainder. Riga on the otherhand have to win win all of their fixtures without dropping a set. Warwick play top half teams in all of their games whilst Wessex play basement outfits in 3 of their 4 remainders.

The Loughborough match started evenly though as the teams scored point for point to reach 5-5 in the first set. Wessex TeamBath then took a firm grip on the match with Lizzie Smith and Helen Brown scoring at will to push the visitors into a 18-7 lead. This forced Loughborough into reguard action and their coach Steve Jones was forced into calling a time out. The resulting resumption of play saw Loughborough change tacticts and severeal clever plays to Wessex's defensive corners stretched the SW outfit. Their defence wasnt beaten though and some very good retreivals from Henri Creasy, enable Wessex to increase their advantage. The luxury of such a big lead enableled Wessex to rotate their squad, and Phoebe Jeffery entered the fray, handing her first action since December. Jeffery scored almost immediately and the opening set was closed in Wessex TeamBath's favour 25-13.

Set two was more even. Wessex did open an early lead , but Loughborough responded through some steady middle attacks from Tamara Scholar. The scores eventualy reachd 18-18 and the set was in the balance. Setter Simone Lewis then started to spread the play for Wessex TeamBath, and again it was the League Leaders who started to gain the upper hand. Katja Gless started to receive a string of accurate feeds, enabling her left hand attack to gain success and Julie Smith started to use her slide attack to great success. The set again going to Wessex TeamBath, but this time with a narrower margin of 25-21.

Janna Rogers featured in set three as Wessex's main setter, and her play making role was of the first order. The set went against Wessex 21-25, but Roger's contribution was in no way to blame. The Wessex deffensive pass consistantly pulled Rogers off the net limiting her passing options. This had the effect of allowing the Loughborough block to read where the ball was going and the visitors attack had a very difficult job of beating the defence.

The interval between sets three and four enabled the Wessex coach to regroup and ask for focus on the service reception. The players responded to this and Brown in particular took control feeding the re-introduced setter Simone Lewis with some great feeds. Lewis responded wit a lot of middle and reverse slide sets which were met by Julie Smith. The quality of these were too much for Loughborough and the final set of the match could only conclude in Wessex's favour. A 25-20 closure resulted.

Wessex were: Helen Brown, Henri Creasy, Katja Gless, Phoebe Jeffery, Simone Lewis, Janna Rogers, Julie Smith, Lizzie Smith, Steph Smith

Wessex TeamBath travel to Keele University on Saturtday for their biggest match of the season where they face United London Universities (ULU) in the Semi Finals of the National Knock Out Cup. Wessex will be without their main attack players for the fixture due to Great Britains Beach Volleyball tour to Australia. Also compounding the problem is London based student, Gabi Medricka, who signed up pre season for ULU in the Cup, so is ineligble and will feature for the opposition.

Denise Austin, Helen Brown, Henri Creasy, Leanne Eddie, Katja Gless, Phoebe Jeffery, Veronica Orfanidou, Simone Lewis, Janna Rogers, Julie Smith, Lizzie Smith, Steph Smith.

Wessex now enter a critical period of their season. Shauna Mullin (if fit) Vicky Palmer, Lucy Boulton, and Liana Herbert have all been drafted into the GB Beach Volleyball squad's trip to Australia. Their international call ups mean that all four are unavailable to Wessex for the whole of March. Fortunately the club only have two fixtures during that period, but one of those is the important National Cup Semi Final at Kelle University on the 8th of the month. This will severely test the Wessex squads strength in depth. Coming in as direct replacements will be Gabi Medricka, Julie Smith, Phoebe Jeffery and Denise Austin. Also making a welcome return to action will be middle attack player Leanne Eddie.

These players will also be making up the squad when Wessex travel to Loughborough on Saturday for another National League Div 1 fixture.

Should Wessex-TeamBath win the League, there is every chance that the club will exercise its right to play in the European Clubs Cup next season. This will be the first time in nearly 20 years that an English Club has undertaken such a challenge, and in the group stage it is hoped that home venues will rotate between Bath, Weymouth and Poole so that as many volleyball fans as possible can see the European action.

National KO Cup 1/4 Final

Wessex TeamBath 3 Warwick Riga 0

Wessex TeamBath eased into the last 4 with a straight sets victory at the Sports Village, Bath University on Saturday. An extremely tight affair had been expected as the two teams currently hold the top two positions in Division 1 of the National League. Wessex however had other ideas, and right from the start Lucy Boulton, and Liana Herbert scored early points to give the home side the advantage. With a five point cushion behind their backs Wessex were able to spread play right along the net and use all three attacking positions to great effect. Simone Lewis in the setting role was pivotal to this and the set was clinically closed out with a 25-15 margin.

The second set was tighter, but still Wessex maintained the upper-hand. The Wessex block was performing well with Shauna Mullin and Julie Smith completing shut outs of the Riga attack. These were linked to two Riga service errors which handed Wessex another 5 point advantage and with a 16-11 lead the home team were able to rotate their squad to keep the on court players a fresh as possible. Lizzie Smith entered play though the middle attack role, Denise Austin replaced Shauna Mullin and Helen Brown entered the action in place of Vicky Palmer. All three new players managed to score points and Denise Austin in particular looked strong in the heart of Wessex's defence as they completed the set win with a 25-21 scoreline.

Janna Rogers started the third set in the setters position, and her recent run of good form was continued as she supplied Liana Herbert with some very fast feeds. Herbert met these before the Riga block had time to respond, and for the third set running Wessex had the ascendancy. Lucy Boulton started using all of her power at this stage, and the GB's No.1 ranked Beach Volleyball player looked unstoppable as Riga's defence started to crack. On the other side of the net though Denise Austin had complete control of Wessex's defence and several top class retrieves made life easy for setter Janna Rogers.

Yet another 5 point advantage was opened in favour of the home team and the game was all but over as Wessex TeamBath eased into a 20-15 lead. At this point the fight seemed to drop out of Riga, two more great finishes from Lucy Boulton sealed the victory. The set fiished with 25-16 closure.Wessex TeamBath now face a semi final match against Non League United London Universities (ULU), which will be played at the neutral venue of Keele University. London Universities are not a team to be underestimated, They beat a very strong London Malory team in their 1/4 final. ULU are a team put together purely for the Cup campaign and are made up entirely of players with NVL Division 1 and European League experience. Among their ranks is Gabi Medricka who has actually made League appearances for Wessex this season. The match will be played on March 8th.

The second semi Final will see an all London clash as Swiss Cottage face Polonia. This match will be played immediately before Wessex's fixture at Keele University.

Wessex were :
Denise Austin, Lucy Boulton, Helen Brown, Liana Herbert, Simone Lewis, Shauna Mullin, Vicky Palmer, Janna Rogers, Julie Smith, Lizzie Smith

National KO Cup Round 3

City of Wolverhampton 0 Wessex TeamBath 3

Wessex TeamBath completed a double head weekend with second victory as they eased into the quarter finals of the Knock Out Cup.

All three sets proved to close affairs as both sides matched each other point for point. The straight set victory not indicating the competitivness of the match. In the first set it was the power of Lucy Boulton who the swung the balance of play in Wessex's favour. Boulton playing against her former club scored several powerful smashes from the wing to push Wessex to a 21-25 win.

Set two followed in similar fashion with Liana Herbert and Julie Smith linking well with setter Simone Lewis. There were period of counterattack from City of Wolverhampton, and Vanessa Lucas in particular presented the Wessex defence with plenty of problems. Late on in the set it was Boulton who gained the upper hand and the set was closed with a 22-25 narrow margin victory.

Wessex TeamBath handed Denise Austin her first start of the season and the experienced Beach Volleyball player didn’t disappoint on the indoor circuit. Austin's presence in backcourt enabled Wessex take a slender lead. Shauna Mullin playing in the unaccustomed roll of opposite attack, also had success with her block. Wessex were increasingly starting to look like match winners. Wolverhampton did mount one last effort and started to close the gap. This was stopped though as the home side reached 20 points. Victory was secured with a 20-25 win

The Quarter final sees Wessex TeamBath with a home fixture, which will be played on Saturday 2nd February, when the club will face fellow Division One title chasers Warwick Riga.

Wessex TeamBath were : Denise Austin, Lucy Bolton, Helen Brown, Liana Herbert, Simone Lewis, Shauna Mulin, Julie Smith, Lizzie Smith, Steph Smith

Wessex reach last 8 in National Junior Cup 2008
Wessex Volleyball took 2 teams up to Richmond to play in the 2nd round of the National Under 18 Girls Cup. Wessex A were clearly the best team there, winning all 3 of their matches by 2 sets to 0, and they go through as a seeded team at the last 8’s competition in March.

Wessex B, mainly consisting of under 17 players, showed the tremendous improvement they have made this season to narrowly miss out on also qualifying for the last 8’s. Although they lost to Wessex A, they bounced back to beat the hosts, Richmond, by 2 sets to 0. Then in their final match, against St Edwards School, Hertfordshire, Wessex B won the 1st set, 25-22, only to lose the 2nd set 25-24. In a nail biting 3rd set, held an 8-7 as the teams changed ends, before St Edwards pulled away to win 15-13.

Teams : Wessex A : P. Jeffrey, S. Speigal, S. Boyd, Z. McAulay, J. Royles, E. Colyer, G. Tinker, A. Tinker, L. Singleton, H. Ridge.

Wessex B : S. Keen, Z. Jackson, A. Crammond, P. Nelmes, H. Corbin, F. Ray-Brown, E. Freeman, C. Lee, P. Ellison.

Wessex Southwest Champions 2008
Wessex sent three teams to the South West Under 14 Championships and by winning both the girls and boys titles have ensured their qualification for the last 8’s of the new National Under 14 Cup being held in Mch in the Midlands.

The girl’s team were led by the highly rated Paige Nelmes and Annie Tinker and both impressed with their skill. Twins Aimee and Sophie Fanner are in their first season of volleyball and despite still being under 13 made a full contribution to the team who won all their matches.

The boys team have been gaining experience by playing in the South West Grand Prix’s this season and going into this event undefeated saw them start as favourites.

JJL from Devizes gave the Wessex boys a good match in the pool but the smashing power of Matt Hunter, Tom McArthur and Aaron Walrond was too much for any of their opponents and they qualified easily for the semi’s. Here the opponents were Kings from Exeter and they had the misfortune to face Walrond’s amazing serving run of 19 consecutive serves. To their credit Kings didn’t give up at 19-0 down but the Wessex boys did enough to keep the gap and won 39-16.

In the Final Wessex faced the skilful but small Priory team from Weston Super Mare. Tom McArthur showed his full range of skills using power and intelligence in the frontcourt and control in the backcourt to help Wessex into a big lead. Hunter was having a steady game with good blocking and passing linked with the occasional devastating power smash and Wessex showed their superiority with a 34-15 win.Sam Walrond and Connor Duggan played in the boys second team to gain experience for next year’s competition.

Under 16 National Cup - First Round
Wessex Under 16 Girls travelled to Romford on Saturday for the first round of the Under 16 National Cup. They finished top of the group beating St Edwards 2-0 and Mavericks B 2-1 and now progress to the 2nd round on 19th January.

The squad of 9 girls played some great volleyball with all girls playing their part in a good team performance.

Team: Katie Keen (Captain), Annie Tinker, Helena Lumley, Hannah Ridge, Zoe McAulay, Emily Singleton, Olivia Perry, Aine Wood and Bola AdeyIn a busy weekend Wessex sent two teams to Weston Super Mare to play in the South West Grand Prix. Once again the Under 14 boys team of Matt Hunter, Tom McArthur, Kieran Norris and Aaron Walrond clinched overall victory without losing a match. An equally impressive performance from Sam Walrond, Aimee and Sophie Fanner (playing in only their second event) in the Boys U13 competition saw them finish as runners up.

English Champions again!
Wessex Junior Men have regained the National Under 18 Volleyball Cup they lost last year after long years of domination. A brilliant semi final win against favourites Sheffield saw them through to the Final where they faced Boswells from Essex.

Although hit by injuries Wessex took a strong squad to Sheffield on Sunday and a Dan Hunter block on the second point set the tone. Wessex were dominating the front court play with Jamie Hanratty and Oli Kimber a formidable force. Nerves in the Wessex defence gave Boswells early hope though but some penetrating serving and hitting from Hunter and Sam Playfair gave them the first set 25-16. A good start in the second set led to a bit of complacency and Boswells took full advantage. The momentum had swung to Boswells and although David Bright and Tristan Dampney made some brilliant backcourt pickups the set was lost 16-25.

Wessex gradually improved their performance with Will Perry, Hunter and Bright controlling the pass. Isaac Grant made full use of it as he used all of his hitters, particularly Kimber, before coming up with a stunning block on Boswells danger man, Nathan French. It was still level as Tom Jeneson came on to serve a vital point and Steve Nation- Grainger strengthened the defence. This was followed by a run of penetrating serves from Hanratty which gave Wessex the lead. Boswells fought bravely back and both sides had set points before accurate serving from Perry and Dampney gave Wessex the set 27-25.

Boswells had tightened their defence and Wessex were finding it hard to ground the ball. Nathan French and Matt Mills were also have a lot of hitting success and Wessex were struggling again. They fought hard but Boswells levelled by winning the set 25-18.

Into the deciding set and with nerves stretched both sets of supporters were doing everything they could to help their team to victory. Boswells took a 4-0 lead but Playfair came up with three blocks on Mills to swing the momentum. Mark Garcia-Kidd showed his courage by coming on to play despite a broken finger and he immediately made a big impression with 6 winning serves. Hunter was scoring points on the wing as Grant fed him with sets and as Perry turned the screw with accurate serving Garcia. Kidd hammered home the Championship winning smash.

Captain Dan Hunter awarded the Most Valuable Player
The squad were ecstatic and the celebrations started. Coach Lynn Allen said she was delighted for the team and thought they deserved the victory. “The players are not only talented and hard working but fantastic young men. We would all like to thank everybody who has helped and supported the team.”

Squad – Dan Hunter, Isaac Grant, Will Perry, Mark Garcia- Kidd, Sam Playfair, David Bright, Jamie Hanratty, Tom Jeneson, Oli Kimber, Tristan Dampney.Steve Nation- Grainger Ollie Batt Aaron Robertson
Coaches – Lynn Allen Geoff Allen Martin Flay Rich Davies

Volleyball Exporters
Rachel from Purbeck VC took a group of her pupils from Glenmoor School to Sri Lanka (Kalegana, Galle, which was affected by the tsunami) in July. This was a second visit out to Sri Lanka organised through World Challenge and it was a very successful trip.

During the twelve days visit they marked out a volleyball court at Piyatissa School by digging out red clay and creating concrete lines. As you can imagine it was hot and difficult work but Rachel said ''As soon as the nets were erected, many of the pupils came running out to play volleyball. It was really exciting to see their enthusiasm and delight.'' A really worth well effort so well done to all.

Celebrations as under 18 Junior men win through to National Final
Wessex Under 18 junior men excelled at the weekend as they stormed through their semi final in the National Volleyball Cup to reach the Final, which will be held in Sheffield on the 22nd April.

It took good serving runs from David Bright and Will Perry to help get Wessex through their early pool matches against Boswells and Redhill. The performance did improve in the third pool match against Tendring as Steve Nation –Grainger and Tom Jeneson ensured Ollie Batt got enough quality ball to feed his attackers. The 2-0 victory saw them into the semi’s.

Squad: Hunter, Playfair, Grant, Garcia-Kidd, Bright, Perry, Kimber, Hanratty, Dampney, Batt, Nation-Grainger, Jeneson, Robertson, Molero

Facing them were Cup favourites Sheffield who had a team of England Junior players but one of the assistant coaches, Geoff Allen, had been scouting and thought there were weaknesses to be exploited. The first point gave Wessex all the additional encouragement they needed. Sheffield set to the brilliant Joel Miller but Oli Kimber and Jamie Hanratty rose to stuff block the attack. Sheffield were stunned. Captain Dan Hunter then took control on the left with varied attacks that Sheffield struggled to defend. Wessex were flying, everything they did was coming off which led to a six point lead. Sheffield kept attacking and narrowed the gap to three points before another surge from Wessex gave them the set 25-19.

In the second set Hunter and Bright kept control of the pass to allow Isaac Grant to intelligently spread the attack. Mark Garcia – Kidd playing heroically despite a leg injury was giving a fine all round performance and Sam Playfair was proving just how good he is with power serves and hits combined with skilful tips. Sheffield were trading point for point in a high class match but with the match delicately poised Kimber came up with two stunning middle attacks. Grant, probably having his best ever game even took over the hitting role to smash a line winner before combing with Hanratty to block out Miller. The momentum was with Wessex. The supporters who played such a vital role were doing everything they could to keep the Wessex boys ahead with a deafening wall of noise. All through both sets the Wessex control on the pass and serve by all players had been first rate and then Hunter who hadn’t wasted an attacking opportunity went back to serve. It put Sheffield under more pressure but they still managed to find a couple of blocks. Tristan Dampney wasn’t going to let the ball hit the ground though and he made two fine retrievals to allow Wessex to attack again, this time with success. Another courageous serve on match point ensured a fantastic win. 25-22. Jubilation followed as the supporters celebrated with the team.

Coach Lynn Allen thought it the team’s best ever performance and the difference between the sides was perhaps the overall strength of the Wessex squad and the spirit in it. She added that the team have worked extremely hard over the past couple of years and deserve this success. The English Volleyball Assoc commented that it had been a fantastic match with Wessex possibly having the edge in team spirit and tactics.

Squad: Hunter, Playfair, Grant, Garcia-Kidd, Bright, Perry, Kimber, Hanratty, Dampney, Batt, Nation-Grainger, Jeneson, Robertson, Molero

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.

Round 2
The Wessex Under 16’s boys came through a tough qualifying pool in round two of the National Cup to reach the last 8’s of the competition.

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.
Jonathan Tyler playing as the libero provided some good defence in the second set as Riddle and Ridge dominated the middle. However Richmond fought back and just when Wessex looked in a bit of trouble Duckmanton came back on to win four points in a row. With Bartlett continuing his fine form the 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.

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

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.

In the girls Under 16s Tameside (Manchester) and Ashcombe (Surrey) progressed to the final with some impressive performances and this match up will be interesting after the sides met in their pool in the top 8s. The under 16 boys final is set to be a real battle as two Essex sides, Boswells and Tendring will come head to head. Tendring overcame Wessex in a titanic semi-final watched by a large crowd in excess of 100 that was building in anticipation of the senior semi-finals. This is a fantastic prospect for the crowds at the finals and Sheffield as neither side will want to lose face in this local Derby.

Boswells currently dominate boys junior volleyball, having already won the Under 15 boys competition this year and in addition to having made the under 16s final they progressed to the under 18s showpiece for the first time where they will face Wessex. The club from Poole in Dorset have an awesome record in junior volleyball and reaches the final after a fantastic match against a star-studded Sheffield outfit that featured 5 members of England Cadet and Junior squads. The team spirit and tactical approach of Wessex came out of top to the delight of the supporters. The under 18s girls final will be between Tameside and Tettenhall Tigers (Wolverhampton) in what will effectively be a re-run of the under 16 girls final of 2006 when Tettenhall came out on top.

Squad: Creasy, Eddie, Gless, Jeffery, Orfanidou, Palmer S, Palmer V, Smith, Snow, Speigal, Spokes

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
The Wessex Under 13 Boys have won both the South West Grand Prix events. The team of Ryan Palmer, Matt Hunter, Aaron Walrond and Samuel Walrond are unbeaten so far.

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.

Although playing volleyball was a major aim of the evening, it was also a major fund-raising event, raising over £700 in aid of the Mark Pitman Fund and Julia's House, the children's hospice in Poole. Mark Pitman's family were present at the event, helping run a raffle.

Mark Pitman was the captain of the Wessex under 18 men when he died in a car crash just over 3 years ago, along with 2 other volleyballers. He had captained Wessex to National Champions at under 15, under 16, and twice at under 18, and was just about to start his first year at Southampton University. The Mark Pitman Fund helps local young volleyballers overcome financial restrictions to achieve their full potential, having given 13 grants to a value of £1550 in 2006 alone.

WESSEX NEWS ARCHIVE