Tendring Miss Out on Season Opener

Tendring 1 - 3 Billeircay

23-25, 25-23, 24-26, 22-25 

Report by Rob Sharman

The start of the season for the new beginner’s team to emerge out of the Tendring Technology campus, under thecoaching guidance of Alex Porter.

Tendring 2 was formed approximately one year ago as a result of encouraging new players, existing players and retired players to get back in the sport. As time passed, enthusiasm increased as did skills and commitment, resulting in the newly formed ‘Tendring 2’.

The first game being played at home, against Billericay. An interesting start when it was almost a no show from the visitors but in the final minutes they managed to gather a full team. 

The game, the first for Tendring 2, started promisingly and after nerves had settled, both sides produced some good volleyball, Tendring falling behind at first but pulling back only to lose the first set by 2 points, 23 – 25.

The second set was a more positive one for Tendring with some good defensive play by Willem Hart. Good blocking by the visiting side hindered Tendring’s progress but some well placed shots by team captain Rob Sharman gave Tendring the lead.  The set was close all the way through with some impressive play by Mitch (surname?) and some good setting by Dan Saunders and Doug (Surname?). The set finally being won by Tendring 25 – 23.

The third set was once again a tough set with both sides taking the lead and losing the lead throughout with some superb play by both sides, making an exciting match. Gez Worthington (the team sponsor – Heatec heating) producing some ‘unique’ serving that caused the visiting side some difficulty. Once again it was a close set with Billericay winning the set 26 – 24.

The fourth set once again a close call with Billericay taking an eleven point lead as a result of some well placed serving, but Tendring managed to pull back after some excellent set pieces from Dave Smith and Alan Kemp. A tough battle ensued with Tendring pulling the side level and taking the lead, Billericay fought back and finally won the final set 25 – 22.

A good performance for Tendring’s first game with lots of promise for the future, the game could have easily gone to either side as the score would suggest. Despite the loss, team spirits are high and Tendring 2 is looking forward to the rest of the season.