Newcastle (Staffs) vs London Lynx2
National Volleyball League Division 1
22/10/11
Keele University

Newcastle (Staffs) 3-0 London Lynx 2
25-16, 25-16, 25-16

Despite a sickness bug that had swept the squad in the fortnight since their pevious match, 'Castle appeared fighting fit for thier fifth NVL1 match of the season - just their second home game - against London Lynx2. The sides had opposite records with 'Castle looking to defend their 100% start whilst Lynx2 were looking to get on the board for the first time. With England Junior Squad members Karakoc, Dalrymple and Chambers all in the squad for the Londoners 'Castle knew that the victory could not be taken for granted.

Allen started the game with some intelligent serving to pin the visitors' receivers and setter in an uncomfortable position down the 'Castle left channel, and after the first few points it looked as though it might be a walkover, but then Karakoc led a mini-charge by the visitors to narrow the gap and 'Castle led 8-5 at the first techical time-out. Coach Lovell urged his team to display more quality and in the next section of the game the did step on the accelerator slightly, Allen linking with both McKellar and
Roberts through the middle of the net, but Lynx2 remained just about in touch by the 2nd techincal, at 16-9. From this position the set was straightforward and relatively uneventful except for a prolonged Lynx2 rotation error which was eventually picked up on much to the surprising disgust of De Sousa who later refused to shake the hand of the 'Castle coach. Saward replaced Shenton who was struggling with his cold and helped see the set through for 'Castle who won 25-16.

The second set started with tough serving from Lynx2's Mungroo, but 'Castle seized the initiative to lead 8-4 at the first break in play. Shenton clearly benefited from his rest off court as he raced back into action - ending the set with impressive match attacking stats of 10 kills from 15 spikes! Despite the best efforts of the visitors, who were still scrapping and fighting hard, 'Castle were crusing, a little too much for the liking of their coach and captain, and a few changes were made as Jenkins, Ross and Saward were all given an extended run in the set, which 'Castle won again 25-16.

Lovell made wholesale changes to the line-up for the third set, starting with Yates opposite Jenkins, Ross and McKellar in the middle and Sward and Bradbury passing-hitting. This left Bradbury as captain on court and the 20 year old responded admirably, noticeably raising his performance level to end the match with 8 kills from 15 attacks, and some superb powerful jump serving as well as a solid passing game. It was though, the passing of Heath as libero which boosted the team this set, achieving 80% positive and 60% excellent in the receive, allowing Jenkins to utilise the two giants middles Ross and McKellar to great effect. Lynx2 were a beaten team and if it wasn't for 'Castle errors they would have been out of sight early on. Yates made up for a howling error on an overpass to finish the match with an ace, but it was Shenton that was awarded the MVP.

This win leaves 'Castle with a perfect 5 wins from 5, and more impressively 15 sets won and none conceded, however next weekend sees them make the long and potentially tough trip to Colchester to take on Tendring.

Squad:
Allen, Bradbury, Heath, Jenkins, Lovell, McKellar, Roberts, Ross, Saward, Shenton, Yates