Two out of three aint bad

The Scottish Volleyball Association`s Finals Weekend was a stunning success for all those who participated in all the many different capacities, and Su Ragazzi VC had a primary role to play, as we appeared in three of the finals. In all of the matches we played in the better team won, unfortunately that was Su Ragazzi in only two of the three occasions.

The men were victorious, and the Women`s Cup remains as the only elusive Trophy the Club has never won.

Saturday 24th April was day one of the overall event. The Su Ragazzi II men were faced with Grassmarket Jets in the very first match on the programme, and we raced into a two sets to zero slump against the Edinburgh Team. It was not the script. It shouldn`t have happened. It was both unexpected and unwelcome, but we only had ourselves to blame.

The Edinburgh side, marshalled by experienced campaigner Nisbet Duffin, started almost hesitantly, but sensing there was an upset on the cards they made positive and purposeful strides to capture the first two sets. They deserved their lead. Their play was thoughtful and appropriate, and we were left wondering what was happening.

The huddle between sets two and three was intense and focussed. The message was simple and stark: change something or this match is gone! We changed personnel a little, changed attitude a lot, and captured the third set 25 to 10.

Set four we were winning comfortably, but the Jets had other thoughts on that, and the last third of the set was a tension filled point for point slog, which was thrilling for the packed audience, and nerve jangling for the players; but we won 25 to 21

Fifth set we changed ends at 8 to 4 up and never looked back. We jumped about and celebrated, the Edinburgh Team reflected on what almost was, and the first of the weekend`s trophies, the men`s Plate, was secured.

There were several excellent performances in the match, spaced across both teams. Young Radek Kleszewski had a great game, so did Umair Ansar, both appearing in their first National Finals. Kevin Curran had finally managed to escape from his Volcano-extended honeymoon, and his contribution was significant. Dave Cormie, Captain on court for the day was terrific in the back court, and Callum Johnston provided several of his trademark thunderous first tempo attacks. This was a great win for the Su II men, but there should be a mention for the outstanding contribution made to the encounter by the valiant Grassmarket Jets.

View the Photographs here

Day 2, Sunday 25th April, and the bandwagon rolled on. Part of the success of the SVA`s event is the setting they provide to showcase the performances. The colourful taraflex floor, the bright hall, the banners and posters which decorate the walls, and the packed audience all make for a fantastic arena for the players to strut their stuff.

In match three of day 2 the Fabulous Suettes took centre stage against old rivals Troon, and promptly got stuffed 3 sets to zero. Troon were the better team, and Lindsay Bunten was the game`s top performer. She was simply unstoppable, and provided the Troon team with a solid and consistent platform for their win.

For our team there were several times when we threatened to step up to the plate. The score at 24 each in the first set was achieved through our engagement in a sterling fight back, but the momentum was squandered and the set lost 24 to 26. Lindsay Coburn hit well, Lynn Edwards showed flashes of the qualities she has, young Alex Dickenson in her first National Final handled both her nerves and her responsibilities well, and Captain Laura McReady was excellent in the back court, but it was not enough.

It was a tough one to take, and there were not any excuses after the match. We lost to a better performance on the day, so nothing to do but regroup and replan, but it was sore!

The final match of the Finals Weekend programme saw City of Glasgow Ragazzi play long time rivals Glasgow Mets. The match was played in the best of spirits by the players in both teams, and was the best match of the weekend. As reported to me by several spectators it was Big Boys Volleyball!

The first ten exchanges were stunning. Thunderous serves, titanic hits, fighting spirit, defence, and every point secured with excellence. I looked at John French sitting on the bench next to me and just shook my head; we were watching Scottish Volleyball at its cultured best!

Mets took a 16 to 10 lead in that first set, we clawed it back to 20 to 19 in our favour. The scoring traded side out point for side out point to 27 all, then we made two fantastic back to back hits to steal the set 29 to 27.

Set 2 neither team had more than a two point advantage all the way up to 20 points each, then we put together a cluster of four points to lead 24 to 21. The cluster included an outrageous service ace by Brian O`Neil, who stood at the back wall, all of 8m from the court, and served a howitzer which swerved inwards at the last possible moment to clip the outside edge of the court sideline; pure fluke! And the set finally was won 25 to 22.

Set 3 we knew we could win the match. Set 3 we were always in the lead. Set 3 we were beginning to fashion a momentum platform and dominate proceedings. The last third of Set 3 Glasgow Mets put on a display of defensive prowess the likes of which I have seldom witnessed. Andy Fleming, Alan Krawczyk, Alan Milton, Scott Collins, Vince Lyle all of them producing defensive miracles. Ryan Mcleod charging off court and smashing through the scorers table to retrieve the ball, and the Mets winning that rally. It is hard to describe just how good they were, and they used the momentum they gained to turn the score around and win the set 25 to 23.

What a game!

Set 4 young Andy McGregor replaced experienced internationalist Jonny Herley. It was a gamble. Jonny was being cleverly played by the Mets` tactics, and needed a break. The thinking was he would come back into the game after six or seven points, but he didn`t need to.

At the start of the set Mets looked as if they were almost taking a breather after the heroics of their defensive performance, and we held a 9 to 5 lead. They regrouped and the lead evened at 18 points each. At 23 to 19 up I was sure we had the match won, we only needed to stay focussed, but a service error followed by two great plays from the Mets took the score to 23 to 22 and we were under pressure.

Stewart McGrenary answered the call at the next point and smashed the ball through their block onto the floor. Then Ali King served for match point. His service had been both tough and tactical all day; the match point serve was the same. Alan Krawczyk was pulled out of the setter’s pocket, went to the outside. Hitting error. Game over. Cue wild celebrations from the Su boys!

It was a cruel way to finish a fantastic match, but that`s sport.

There was not an ineffective player on the court, from either team. Ali Galloway came up with a passing and defensive game to match his efforts at the net. Stewart McGrenary and Brian O`Neil were the dominant blockers in the match, as well as everything else they did. Steve Todd ran a tough offence, served like a demon, fought for every point, and demonstrated both passion and commitment. Jonny H and Cammy Galloway kept their head and passed and defended in the hothouse envirnoment, Christophe played his cameo role well, and then there was young Andy McGregor. A forlorn figure in the corner through sets 1 to 3, simply desperate to play, thinking the chance was never coming, he grasped the opportunity in set 4 with both hands and was terrific.

City of Glasgow Ragazzi retained the National Cup we won last year. It is a promising end to what has been a difficult season. Great credit is due to the players for their efforts leading up to and including this final match. Great credit is due to the players of Glasgow Mets for their Herculean efforts. Great credit is due to the Scottish Volleyball Association for their staging of this magnificent event. Let us hope we get to go back next year.

And finally for Su Ragazzi Volleyball Club, winning two out of three National Finals aint bad.