NVL Men City of Bristol (A) Match Report 2010-11

Tendring 3-0 City of Bristol

25-19, 25-14, 25-17

Report by Neil Masters

Tendring took a giant leap towards the league title after Saturday's events. City of Bristol travelled across the country to play the league leaders, Tendring.

Bristol hoping to end the league in the top 4 got off to a flying start with Tendring making early errors. Joe cook re-addressed the balance through excellent service pressure to make sure that Tendring had a slight lead at the first time out. Tendring new that although on paper this could have been a close match, Bristol could not find their rhythm, and Tendring capitalised. Alex Porter and Stuart Dove led the way with excellent play at the net. Liam Chinnery's form continued to shine and provided excellent defence for Tendring to base their points scoring ability around. Tendring dominated the sexing half if the set winning 25-17.

The second set continued in a similar fashion with Neil Masters and Nick Davies combining well in offence. Tendring took an outstanding lead and enabled Mitchell Lawrence some invaluable court time. Tendring strolling to victory 25-14.

With the scoreline in favour of Tendring and Bristol looking beaten, Masters started Lawrence and with regular starter Sonny Chaney in the middle position. This middle combination must have been one of the youngest in National League history, averaging at 16 years of age. Their performances were exceptional, Lawrence going on to take the Janice Porter award for his contribution.

Bristol made a fight of it in the middle stages, but Captain Widlarz made sure that the comeback was short lived by providing some excellent attacking shots. Davies and Dove helped to re-establish a lead and with a fantastic opportunity, Spencer White-Overton could show what strength and depth this Tendring side has, by replacing Porter.  Tendring sealed the match 25-21.

Later that day, news filtered in that league title contenders, Watford Danes had unexpectedly lost, leaving Tendring just needing one more win to become champions. Their first opportunity will be this Saturday away to Newbury.