NVL Men Guildford International (A) Match Report 2010-11

Tendring 3-2 Guildford International

26-24, 20-25, 25-18, 27-25, 13-15

Author Neil Masters

Tendring took their largest away support of the season to this top of the table clash. Guilford had not lost prior to the weekend but suffered a loss to rivals Sussex. Tendring had beaten Guilford twice last season, but were still going to be a tough match especially away from home and missing key player Alex Porter.
The first set was very hard fought and both teams were neck and neck at the business end of the set. Tendring played their most resilient volleyball, but a contentious decision by the refereeing team which ultimately cost them the chance of winning the set. Guilford took the set 27-25. Tendring still fighting hard, took the match to Guilford with great hitting and blocking by both Stewart Dove and Sonny Chaney and  consistent passing by Liam Chinnery. Tendring crept ahead and looked more like the team that had won the division last term. After winning the set 25-17, Tendring felt as if they the beating of Guilford. However, Guilford were keen to make amends for their defeat the previous day and came out putting more and more pressure on Sebastian Widlardz and Neil Masters. They took the set convincingly but Tendring had a run of points towards the end of the set that gave them a glimmer of hope.

Tendring increased their service pressure for the fourth set, a set they must win and were rewarded with a large points difference, one that would not be closed down. Final set score 25-18. Going into the deciding set Tendring were now in belief if they could keep their service
pressure on and continue to set Janice Porter winner Stewart Dove and man of the match Soney Chaney. They took an early lead, but with a few errors Guilford crept back into the set. Tendring went 8-7 up at the change of ends and Joe Cook stepped up to the service line to effectively win the match and tendring taking a 4 point lead. Guilford dragged it back to within 1 point but with an error Guilford capitulated 15-13.

Tendring has 2 back to back matches on Saturday 9th starting from 11.30 till 3pm. Be
there!!