Leeds University men’s volleyball built on their excellent league form in the cup this Wednesday as they brushed Newcastle 1s aside for the second time in as many weeks to progress in the Northern Conference Cup, winning by 3 sets to 0.
The visitors started slowly, with mistakes gifting Leeds early points. The home side built on this and quickly found their stride, with strong serving from Mark Elgar helping the team to a 14-5 lead – forcing the Newcastle coach to call a time-out.
This did little to stop the onslaught however, as composed link-up play helped assist a series of well-executed spikes from captain Nigel Sibanda and Leeds wrapped up the first set 25-8.
Leeds combined power and skill further in the second set, to add further to Newcastle’s misery, but sloppy mistakes crept into their play and the teams were soon tied at 9-9.
Blows were continually exchanged, as the momentum of the game was very much in the balance. A succession of successful spikes and blocks from Newcastle’s number 25 had given the visitors a glimpse of hope.
It didn’t take Sibanda’s men long to realise he was their star man though, and starving him of the ball through some clever play soon meant Leeds were back on top, winning the set 25-20.
As the two sides took to the court for the third time, the Gryphons looked hungry to secure their second whitewash over their Newcastle counterparts this season. Lucas Vigroux typified this desire, helping Leeds to take the lead after some tense rallies.
As Leeds continued to accumulate points, it appeared Newcastle’s minds had turned to the evenings Champions League fixtures, as one player proceeded to use his foot and kick the ball over the net; Leeds duly replied with an elegant volleyed return, thus winning the point. The home side continued to apply pressure and a powerful smash from Tamasz Deeg sealed Newcastle’s fate as a 25-18 third set victory secured the match at 3-0 within the hour.
Sibanda, who led brilliantly from the off, was delighted with the teams win as they progressed to the quarter-finals of the Northern Conference Cup.
The team are set to host a universities tournament this Sunday and they then travel to Teesside University next Wednesday. Based on this week’s performance, they can go into both with confidence as they search for their first piece of silverware this year and look to extend their unbeaten run.
Tim Short
Image courtesy of Sam Broadley