Tendring first met Sussex Dolphins at the beginning of the season and lost 3-1 so this was an excellent opportunity to really see how much the team had progressed. This team were the more difficult opposition of the two, and although Tendring were confident, they were aware that they would need to alter their game to beat Sussex. Tendring went in with the confidence founded in their first match against Plymouth and were attacking from the start and took an early and convincing lead. Kerry Skinner silenced the Sussex team for good at the end of the first set roof blocking their tallest middle hitter and winning the first set 25-17.

In the second set, again Tendring seemed to lose their concentration. Sussex began attacking and the Tendring defence were not prepared. Despite some skilled defensive work back court from Southgate and Harvey, Tendring had once again lost their rhythm and that combined with a number of service errors lost Tendring the set 25-14. In the timeout between sets, Coach Mark Harris reminded the team of the dominance they had shown in the first set. The aim was to keep attacking at every opportunity as Sussex were weaker and slow in their defence. In the third set, Tendring began to adjust their blocking meaning that the Sussex hitters were forced to attempt more difficult shots. This meant that the Tendring defence was ready and able to provide the setter with a good pass. Once the pass was established again, Robinson was able to vary the sets across the net and Tendring were once again on top. Tendring won the third set 25-19 and moved into potentially the last set of the day in a good position.

Tendring started the last set in the same position and by Ziverte and Cock putting pressure on their serving, and Mansfield and Skinner providing power at the net; they were able to push into the lead. At this point, Sussex had nothing to lose and were playing erratic and unpredictable volleyball to try and catch out the Tendring defence. In the end it was clear that Tendring had the more experience and were quick to read what the Sussex attack were planning. The opposition were unable to kill the ball and Robinson had all day to decide where to set the ball as the passing had become more consistent than it had been all year. Tendring took the game in the final set winning 25-21 and securing their place in the league. This weekend moved Tendring up to seventh in the league and the last few matches of the season will determine their final position on the table. Tendring really were able to fight back and triumph over the opposition this weekend where they had previously failed to do so. Although their next match is against Guildford International who are currently sitting at the top end of the table, Tendring are aiming to continue this determination and confidence which has at times produced some top quality volleyball.