11th October 2012, Essex Division 3
Chelmsford 2 v Thurrock
3-2
(25-27, 25-15, 21-25, 26-24, 15-10)
Report by Steve Peacock
Chelmsford seconds won a well contested match by a 3-2 margin against newcomers Thurrock that might easily have gone the other way but for a battling performance particularly in a pivotal 4th set.
Chelmsford VC were happy to welcome visitors Thurrock to the Mildmay Hall, Anglia Ruskin University. The home side started their new season’s campaign with a mixture of experience and new players. The London Olympics has generated much interest in Volleyball and has attracted new players, 8 of which got their first chance to compete in the Essex League.
In set 1, Chelmsford used Kirsty Green and Nick Jones (Capt) to set, Ewa Sekowska and Kunjan Jasani as middle attack and Luke Jones and Narayan Koimuttam as outside attackers. Both teams took a while to settle into a rhythm, and there were some close rallies, Thurrock just pipping Chelmsford 27-25.
In set 2, Chelmsford coach Ian Reeve made a change bringing Steve Peacock into middle attack for Sekowska. Accurate setting particularly from Green and powerful attacks from Luke Jones saw Chelmsford romp home 25-15.
Set 3 saw the pendulum swing back to Thurrock, who by this time were relying heavily on their captain Pereira to win their points with accurate spiking and strong serves. Chelmsford used 2 new middle attackers in Rob Pallent-Bright and Kevin Ashton, and both acquitted themselves very well. The visitors took the set 25-21.
So to Set 4, and the fight back commenced! Coach Reeve rested his captain Jones and introduced new setter Cristian Mancoviceanu to partner Green. Chelmsford could not handle the serve of Periera and Thurrock raced to a 12-6 lead. Bill Rose made a short appearance, and to good effect as Chelmsford began to trade points. Losing their way a little at 17-11 down Reeve brought on Peacock to steady the ship and he quickly set up some booming attacks from Koimuttam and Jones, Chelmsford’s confidence began to grow. A couple of close line calls, long rallies and solid defending Chelmsford stole the set by the closest of margins 26-24 Chelmsford’s belief was now sky high, and they romped to a 5-0 lead in the 5th, a gap that Thurrock were just unable to close, and Chelmsford ran out winners 15-10 and the match 3 sets to 2.
Afterwards, coach Reeve said “A super start to the season, particularly with so many new faces. The team battled hard and never gave up and can be very proud of their achievements this evening”. Kirsty Green was voted MVP (most valued player) for her accurate setting and all round court coverage.
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