Ladies Div 1 : NSVC Ladies v Devon 20/11/11
NSVC went into the game against Devon looking forward to a tough test against their more experienced multi national opponents.
Castle started strongly, but soon became aware of the tough task ahead as Devon matched them in all departments. With both teams siding out confidently, points scored on serve were at a premium. Captain Mankee was in good form setting steadily as the scores progressed to 22-22. After a big kill block on serve by Viggars, the first set point fell to Castle. Despite a poor first pass from Devon, the ball was scrambled over the net and poor court coverage by Castle let their opponents survive. This would prove very costly as Devon’s confidence then soared and they took the set 26-24.
The young Castle side started set 2 visually disappointed and were soon 6-1 down after a run of errors. The gap would only increase as Devon now began attacking with venom, with Sirova particularly causing problems. Substitutions saw Bellamy, Millican and Roberts introduced with reasonable success. Despite halting the Devon flow the set was still lost 25-16.
Castle were aware that victory against such consistent opponents would now be a difficult task, but started set 3 with some determined attack and defensive play. James in particular hit winner after winner and was well backed up by wing hitting partner Amor. Middle players Gurgal and Stuart both hit winners as the teams traded point for point. After another high quality set for the crowd to enjoy the scores would again be locked from the 20pt mark onwards. Devon now then edged ahead despite getting hands on the ball in blocks, 2 consecutive deflections gave the points and match to Devon 27-25.
The coaching team, despite being disappointed with the result were full of praise for the performance. Despite losing 3-0, many of the teams’ followers agreed that this was probably some of the best volleyball produced by a Castle Ladies team. The players acknowledged that they were beaten by a well organised and importantly experienced Devon side, who remained calm to play the crucial points better.
Castle will now hope to build upon this performance in their next game at home against Reading at Keele University Sports Centre on December 10th – 2.30 start
Newcastle Staffs Ladies 0 Devon 3 – 24-26, 16-25, 25-27
