Saturday 17th April, Coltness High School, Su Ragazzi Ladies V Jets Ladies in the final match of the 3rd 4th Play Off series - Been There Before. Su Ragazzi dominated the early stages and took a two sets to zero lead - Been There Before. Su Ragazzi were playing some great stuff and gave a clinic in tactical serving - Been There Before. Jets Ladies looked dead an buried at several points in the third and fourth sets, and deserved to claw their way back into contention for the match by winning them - Been There Before. In the fifth set the team with momentum won, and it was not the home side - Been There Before also!

Congratulations are due to both teams for the spirit in which the games were played and the intensity of the competition - Congratulations are due to the Jets Ladies for winning the series. The thoughts of the coaching staff of Su Ragazzi about the end of match collapse which saw the final league place and the Cup Final preparation thrown in chaos were summed up by the detail of the post match analyses!

And the Cup Final is only one week away.

Second match of the day was the Su II men V Ian Brownlee`s Edinburgh II. Both teams featuring young players, both teams preparing for National Finals – the home side in the National Plate, the visitors in the National Thistle Bowl. Both teams practicing their strategic plans for the final, both teams checking on the timing and linkages of their units, both teams eager to do well, but aware of the `Big Games` on the horizon; it was a hugely enjoyable encounter.

Jamie McHardy played well for Edinburgh, and the tussle between him and Radek Kleszewski for dominance of the net was fascinating. Edinburgh II lost the services of Glen Robison when he unfortunately twisted and ankle – Glen’s concern was whether the physio could produce some magic and have him available for next week. . . Dave Cormie was the top player for the home side, but young setter Umair Ansar is making terrific progress and is eagerly anticipating his first National Final.

Su Ragazzi won 3 sets to 1 and their preparation is almost complete.

Last match of the day saw City of Glasgow Ragazzi take on Jets Men. The City Boys are in the Cup Final, and the Jets team are in the Thistle Bowl, and yes that means they will play Edinburgh II. Both coaches, Ian Brownlee and Martyn Johnstone used the opportunity to scout their opposition. There were whispered conversations and lots of note taking. . . and isn’t that just the way it should be!

Jets were not at full strength, neither were the home side, however this was a one sided affair with the City Boys smashing the ball through the visitors defence, and running a series of stunning plays. Martyn Johnstone and Scott Gavin understood the lack of response from their team was not a good sign, and tried to cajole more of a performance from their players, but the home side did not let up and the scrimmage match finished with a 3 sets to zero win for City of Glasgow Ragazzi. . . and their preparation for the Cup Final is nearly complete.

The Finals Weekend will be a big one for the Club.

First up is Su Ragazzi II V Grassmarket Jets; this match is the National Plate Final. It takes place at Wishaw Sports Centre on Saturday 24th April with a 10.00 FBS

Next is Su Ragazzi ladies V Troon – this match is the National Cup Final. It takes place at Wishaw Sports Centre on Sunday 25th April with a 14.00 FBS

The Final Match in the schedule is City of Glasgow Ragazzi V Glasgow Mets: this match is the National Cup Final. It takes place at Wishaw Sports Centre on Sunday 25th April with a 16.00 FBS

It would be great to see a huge audience at these matches to support the players, the Club, and Scottish Volleyball.