Just another day at the office for the ladies NVL team as they took victory in both matches at the weekend defeating Telford Ladies 3-1 and Nottingham Rockets 3-0. It is all the more special for them as Telford were playing in the league above last season, so to defeat a team of that calibre who are also in second place within the league is testament to how well the girls are playing this season.
In the game against Telford, Norwich took the first set 25-17, the second set 25-23, they lost the third set 25-22 but took the match with a 25-18 scoreline in the final set. The second match of the afternoon against Nottingham Rockets was a rather more straightforward affair as Spikers won 25-21, 25-8 and 25-21 as they fought very well not to drop a set during the match. Congratulations to Georgia who was MVP in the first match and Stefania in the second. Overall, a calm performance from the girls with only a few minor losses in concentration. They managed to maintain their composure across both matches and the second set against Nottingham where they only conceded 8 points must have been a huge spur on for the girls. Regardless of which team in the league has the best players, this season could very well be defined by which team maintains the best composure under any circumstance, and based upon this performance, our girls truly deserve their position sat at the top of the league. Sunday’s game saw Spikers lose to Nottingham Rockets in a very close knit game.
Nottingham took the first set 25-19 and the second 25-21 whilst the Norwich boys managed to score the win in the third set at 25-20. There was only two points in it during the final set as Nottingham took the match with a 25-23 victory. It was no doubt tough on the boys having played so very well with both teams almost evenly matched, but Nottingham were just better on the day. Pooria was named MVP and next up for the guys is a home game against Manchester Marvels who sit just three places above them in the league table. So let’s get behind the boys and give them our full support this Sunday 25th as it might just make that little bit of difference to have their fellow peers cheering them on in familiar surroundings as they aim to take their first league win of the season. The men got the result they needed against Newmarket VC in the first round of the National Shield taking the match 3 sets to 1. I say, “the result they needed” as the guys have been on the wrong end of the final scoreline for a few games now and this match might just be enough to lift up their spirits for their next fixture.
The team took the first set 25-18, lost the second set 23-25, the third set was taken at 25-23 and the victory was achieved with a score of 25-18. The result of each set suggests a very close match and I’ve been informed that whilst the guys didn’t play as well as we know they can, they did just enough to win. As always, thanks to the referee, scorers and line judges for providing their time. Sometimes a team’s performance can be harmed because of psychological damage done by a run of defeats, and perhaps not playing to their very best in this match was the consequence of their recent form. This perhaps being the case, the fact that they pulled the result they needed out of the bag when it mattered the most is credit to their resilience and sheer determination. Next up is Tendring VC who sit a division above Norwich so this is a match that will test the lads’ resolve. We all know they can play to their strengths so very well, and as long as the entire team stays focussed, then this underdog might just have its day. Another match and it was almost business as usual for the girls. Nearly maintaining their 100% winning record, it was ultimately ruined by Tamworth as they defeated Spikers 3-2 in the first match of the day. This must have spurred the ladies on as the second match against Northampton was taken by Norwich with a 3-1 scoreline. Georgia Biscaro was named as MVP for the first match, and Agnieszka Kowalska was MVP for the second.
The girls should be commended upon their extraordinary ability to bring out the best in each other and make the most of any difficult situation as they were 3 regular players down due to injury and had to register 2 new players on match day. This, coupled with 2 players playing out of their usual position, just goes to show how good this team really is. Just to prove this point, the team took Tamworth Spartans all the way to a fifth set. To put this into context, Tamworth are the top scorers in the league and have only been beaten, so far, by a full strength Spikers side in the reverse fixture. Unfortunately it wasn't two out of two against them, but the entire team and coaching staff should be celebrated for the ability to turn a lot of negatives into a host of positives. There is a long way to go, but Norwich still top the table and that in itself is a credit to how well the team comes together - and they should receive all the plaudits they can for that very reason. Every so often, teams break out of character and turn out a forgettable performance. The word "forgettable" is quite fluid in this context, it can mean that a team just doesn't care about the game and as a result turns out a sub-par performance as a consequence, but we all know that the boys care about every minute they spend on that court. No, "forgettable" in this regard is quite simply that the guys were outplayed and will be looking back on this match to see where the improvements need to be.
Spikers were at home and up against a very strong Nottingham University side and lost the match 3-0. The first and second sets were almost point for point at 20-25 and 23-25 respectively. The final set outcome was 12-25. Ben Stek was very well rewarded in his first match back since surgery being named MVP and a quick mention for Jack Betts making his NVL debut. As always, thanks to the scorers and line judges for giving up their time. Recent results haven't gone their way, and the odd performance like this where nothing will just go right is nothing to worry about. It happens, you take a step back and you look at what went wrong and how you can start to rectify it. The reason to worry is when this starts to become a pattern, but the guys themselves will be aware of what they can each take away from this game, and the coaching staff do an excellent job with the boys and will, quite simply, never let them slack off. So heads up guys, it just wasn't your day but you'll get them next time! |
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