Tendring - Ipswich Sharks 0 - 3 (19-25, 21-25, 21-25)
A new season, some new players, but the same old story: another win for the Sharks.
With a mixture of experienced old guys and talented youngsters of both sexes, the Sharks hope to defend their SVA division 2 title. And they made the best possible start with a 3 - 0 victory over the youngsters of Tendring. Simon and James made their debut and they did remarkably well. They found their way on the court very quickly and showed plenty of promise for the rest of the season. And more importantly, whenever somebody shouted "Sharks!" they responded immediately and in a way that would have made Alan proud: "Bite!" Ex-Mole Pete had more difficulties with that but he made up for it by delivering six deadly services in a row at the end of the second set.
The Sharks had a nervous start to the first set. Switching didn't always go smoothly and more often than not, they didn't know which of the setters to aim for. Then again, it didn't make that much of a difference as the setters were still bumping into each other at that stage. But the boys and girls of Tendring didn't do much better and the game was in balance at 6-6. But the Sharks found their rhythm more quickly and took a lead of 10-6 and then 17-11 thanks to some good serving from Deirdre and James. From then on, the set win was never in doubt: 25-19.
The Sharks seemed to run away with it at the start of the second set. They took a 10-4 lead and were playing some good volleyball. But they were lacking aggression in their attacks and gave their opponents the opportunity to claw back to 16-16. At 21-19 Tendring even seemed to take the set, but Pete showed why the Moles are so sad to lose him. After six of his services, the set still went to the Sharks: 25-21.
The coach showed his gratitude by taking Pete off at the start of the third set. It turned out to be a risk worth taking. Tendring had lost confidence and didn't really put up a fight anymore. The Sharks took a 10-6 lead and they held on to it until the end. 25-21 again.
A promising start to the season and bring on the Rocks!
Most valuable player: Lucie, solid as ever in defence and attack
Best debutant: surprise, surprise, this honour is shared by James and Simon
Best attack: Pete, the only one who actually managed to get the ball on the floor (on the other side of the net)
Most versatile: Deirdre, no problems playing as a middle hitter and as an outside hitter (but not at the same time)
Best rugby tackle: Dean, who didn't seem to accept that his setter colleague also wanted to get to the ball occasionally
Best player/coach:
Marc, who realised during the game that he always puts up his finger while
shouting "mine!"
Posted by Marc on 11/11/2007