JBT secure Ladies’ Cup volleyball competition
JBT won the Ladies’ Cup volleyball competition with a straight sets victory over Sandwick. JBT also finished second in the Men’s Cup, after beating DITT Globetrotters, while in the Ladies’ Plate competition LadySpurs Express defeated Benchwarmers.
BP Sullom Voe Volleyball League Men’s Cup
DITT Globetrotters 0, JBT Men 3
DITT were unable to field a team so the points were awarded to JBT, securing them second place.
BP Sullom Voe Ladies’ Cup
JBTLadies 3, Sandwick Ladies 0
(25-23, 27-25, 25-18)
Facing an undefeated JBT side, this was always going to be a tough match for Sandwick. However, with the BP Sullom Voe Cup at stake it promised to be a closely-contested match and the teams did not disappoint. JBT won serve and started with Monika Los securing the first few points. The lead was short-lived, however, as Sandwick were quick to fight back, showing excellent team work as accurate passing from Joan Smith and Kay Riise allowed Becky Peterson and Ruth Christie to set up the attack.
JBT absorbed the pressure and continued to build attacks of their own, providing some entertaining volleyball for the spectators who had gathered. The lead changed hands several times throughout the set but effective blocking from Kaye Riise helped her team gradually build a lead.
Trailing 22-17, it would have been all too easy for JBT to concede the set but they had other ideas. Some well-placed serves from Anne Mouat helped them sneak ahead to 23-22 before the pressure finally got to her and she served into the net. Full of determination after their comeback, JBT immediately won back serve and finished the set off at 25-23.
The first part of set two matched that of set one, with JBT’s early lead soon taken away as Sandwick replied strongly and built up a five-point cushion. Again the spectators were treated to some entertaining volleyball as a game of cat and mouse ensued with JBT constantly chasing the Sandwick lead.
The visiting side served strongly, Nicola Sinclair, Ruth Christie and Joan Smith all finding chinks in the JBT reception as weak passing meant setters Erica Leask and Mandy Philips had to work very hard so set up any sort of effective attack. Luckily for JBT their setters were on form, which allowed outside hitters Los and Naomi Johnson to keep pressure on the Sandwick defence.
Finally towards the end of the set JBT found their form and with Naomi Johnson serving accurately they moved into the lead. At 24-22 set two was all but over when Sandwick took their turn to come back, bringing the score to 24-all. Tension was high as the hall was filled with chants from the Sandwick cheerleaders. The overwhelming support was not quite enough though as JBT regained momentum and won the points required to go two sets ahead.
The match continued with long rallies as both teams used their three touches effectively, but it was JBT who took control early in set three. Sandwick worked hard to keep in touch and managed to win some key rallies but JBT remained in the driving seat. The hurdle proved too high for Sandwick to clear as JBT continued to dominate and finished strongly to seal the match 25-18 and claim the title.
Most valuable players were Mandy Philips for JBT and Kay Riise for Sandwick.
BP Sullom Voe Ladies’ Plate
Bench Warmers 0, LadySpurs Express 3
A 3-0 victory for LadySpurs Express ensured they took second place in the plate competition.
Most valuable players were Jennifer Manson for LadySpurs Express and Susan Morrison for Bench Warmers.
Inter-county
The inter-county matches against Orkney take place at Clickimin tomorrow, beginning with the women’s B match at 10.30am. Following this there will be a fun session for children from 1pm to 2pm, with all children from primary seven age and up invited to attend. The men’s A match starts at 2.45pm, with the final match of the day, the women’s A clash, taking place from 5.30pm. Spectators are welcome. More information can be found at www.shetlandvolleyball.com.
