Mens NVL Div2 North Leeds VC 3 Manchester Marvels 0 (26-24, 25-17, 25-16) Once again Coach Speers had 12 players available for one of the potentially most difficult games this season. Leeds got off to a great start through some strong service from Ed C, and their returning from injury, captain Danio. However Leeds failed to maintain service pressure. Manchester got into their rhythm through fierce outside cross court hitting and went in front in the final stages of the set. At 25-24 up Leeds had Roland in the service position. Despite missing both service attempts earlier in the set, knew he had to deliver a strong serve. Which he did! Leeds coach had tried out a 2 Libero system in the 1st set using Ed. Ls service reception strength and Bens defensive experience and combined them by constantly switching players when Leeds were either serving or receiving. The tactic worked despite Ben not touching the ball!! In the 2nd set coach Speers decided to use his experienced players and let Ben start as Libero. This paid off as Leeds were again put under strong pressure from the Manchester outside attack. This time Leeds matched this with some spectacular defensive pickups from Ben, but Capt. Danio stole the show when he chased down a 2nd touched ball off the side of court and kicked it back into play, which Leeds eventually won the rally! This display of skill and determination broke Manchesters resolve and Leeds went on to win the set. Manchester never recovered and when Leeds finally got their blocking & serving together it was game over! MVP Danio. CMOTM Roland. Final game on Sat 5th April v South Birmingham. Leeds are looking for revenge from their 3-0 away defeat earlier in the season. This game will decide the League! Come along to Gryphon SC. 1pm warm up, and support Leeds to victory and PROMOTION!
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 09:16:25 +0000