NVL Men Newcastle Staffs (H) Match Report 2011-12

Masters Beaten by Old Team

Tendring 0 - 3 Newcastle Staffs

16-25, 12-25, 15-25

Report by Neil Masters

Tendring's run of losses continued over the past week. But with opposition from the top of their division & a super 8 team in the cup any win would have come as an upset.

Tendring coach Neil Masters faced a familiar opposition as he had represented the club for 9 years and became captain before he moved down to the Tendring area.

But with very few familiar faces and Staffs fielding a young but talented group, Masters decided to rest injured  key players (Alex Porter-knees and Sebastian Widlarz-ankle). Ben Wilson also had to withdraw due to back spasms during the warm up. With all the injuries it gave plenty of opportunity to Tendring's own young players with Jack Bruce and James Baker playing only their 3rd match. Sonny Chaney and Stuart Dove switched roles in order to increase the hitting power through the wings.

Chaney adapted well and scored point after point, supported ably by Masters himself.

Despite losing all 3 sets Tendring's attitude and service pressure improved to the pleasure of all the players.

Tendring's cup run to the semi-final of the cup last year was unprecedented. No previous club had reached the semi-final from the third tier of English volleyball in living memory.

In the process they faced 3 super 8 teams, succeeding in two and finally beaten on the third attempt.

Tendring played London Aquila in the second round and with continuing injury problems it was always going to be a struggle. Ben Wilson played for the opponents for a number of years won the Janice Porter award for his high quality serving and attacking skills.

Tendring young players made up most of the starting line and Sonny Chaney continued as captain for the 3rd match running.

Tendring fought hard and were often leading in the early exchanges in all 3 sets. But Aquila's experience in the top flight & in terms of playing years proves too much for the Tendring side.

Having now lost in the cup Tendring will hope to finally surpass their semi final curse by reaching the final of the Shield competition.