Tendring 3 - 2 Boathouse

17-25, 18-25, 25-23,  25-19, 15-11

Report by Neil Masters

Tendring's epic comeback versus mid table Boathouse has reinforced there Division 1 status for next season. It was defiantly  not plain sailing for Tendring but at 16-15 in the first set Tendring looked competitive however a run of six points cost Tendring the first set.

The second set began with a tight exchange of points. Another cluster of points from Boathouse  created a considerable lead, forcing coach Neil Masters to introduc Ben Wilson and Sebastian Widlarz who made a positive impact and stabilised the set. Their efforts were unfortunately too late and the emphasis for the match was set. 

A change of line up in the 3rd set with a change of tactics exploited  Boathouses weaknesses. Tendring opened up a small lead but the experienced Boathouse side which had an array of former England internationals was not enough to win the set outright as a late charge saw the score level at 23-23. Two crucial errors from Boathouse cost them the set and let Tendring get a foothold on the match.

Set 4 confirmed Tendring's tactical dominance as they opened up an 8 point lead as Nick Davies and Sonny Chaney combined well. A small fightback from Boathouse was not enough. A fantastic piece of defence from Jack Bruce set up Stuart Dove to finish the set which he duly took.

In the shortened fifth and final deciding set Boathouse took a 2- 0 lead, Tendring's tactics ensured that this lead would not last long with MVP Alex Porter and Janice Porter award winner Sonny Chaney firing on all cylinders. An excellent service run from Davies brought up at 8-5 lead. With a super strength team camaraderie Tendring broke Boathouse's spirit and run out 15-11 winners with no causes for concern.

Tendring's  next home game is in the National Shield semi final on Saturday the 25th of February at 12.00 at Tendring technology college.