Men's NVL Firsts Vs. City of Preston
Sunday 24th January 2010
The mens National League team continues their season with a trip to Wigan to play City of Preston. Due to this being the first game back after the Christmas break the men were unsure as to how they would perform or even gel as a unit. The match did not start well however with Marcin Pavlak being declared unfit to play due to an injured shoulder.
The men started the first set steadily, exchanging points with Preston to reach 9-9. However after this the men were able to begin gaining points on serve with some clever use of all hitters by setter Carl Butcher. By continuing the steady play the men were able to open up a lead which was enough to win them the first set, without ever playing any spectacular volleyball.
The second set started much the same as the first with all players playing a steady game. Again good setting from Butcher along with improved defence from libero Carl Padayache and strong attack from all hitters allowed Birmingham to take a lead. This was again enough to win the set and take a 2-0 lead in the match. Mid-way through the set, coach Graham Fowler saw fit to replace Thomasz Tomczak with Ronald Koko who announced himself with a powerful hit into mid-court with his first touch of the game.
The third set suddenly saw all aspects of the Birmingham team gel and allowed them to take an early 7-0 lead in the set. Fowler left Koko on court with Tomczak rested. The performance was suddenly turning from steady to spectacular with continuous strong attack. Butcher was beginning to find the middles, Kieron Bradley and Pete Nash who in turn were attacking with strength and winning key points. The Birmingham dominance was such that players began running combinations and jump serving onto the opposition. The win was sealed with all members of the team playing their part, and a convincing 25-12 win for the men.
Despite this being the first match back, the men looked like a team hungry for wins and ready for the second half of the season.
MVP-Carl Butcher
Match Facts
Competition: National League 3N.
Played: Away.
Result: Won 3-0.
Set Scores: 16-25, 16-25, 12-25.