Newbury Volleyball BVA Men’s Division 2 Match Report 19.02.12


Oxford University worked hard to win the first leg of this triangular fixture against Farnborough Hawks, beating them 25-22 and 25-18.


Newbury v Farnborough

It looked as though Newbury may struggle, losing one of the team before the first ball was hit. It required a bit a reshuffle with coach Sue Sayers stepping on to court to fill in at setter. However Newbury were well disciplined and managed to stay just one step ahead throughout the game and edged most of the battles. Their service reception was steady with Dave Popper and Rajiv Surve delivering consistent ball for Sue Sayers to set. Newbury’s middle hitters Ed cave and Richard Cottle both had a field day out playing Farnborough’s and slashing through the back court.

When the quality of the ball was not so good Jordan Ayres and Rajiv Surve battered the visitors defence. Hawks were forced to soak up a lot of pressure and it was no surprise the Newbury finished the first set 25-18.

The Hampshire team were fighting hard but unable to counter the variety Newbury had in attack. Dave Popper kept Farnborough on their toes constantly dumping around the block and forcing them scramble to get the ball up. The pressure meant Farnborough struggled to get clean attacks, and when they did Newbury’s blockers were in fine form. The second set went pretty much the same as the first with Newbury closing out the game 25-19, with Rajiv Surve picking up the Most Valuable Player award.


Newbury v Oxford University

Newbury had lost to the University earlier in the season and expected a battle royale in this home game. They were not disappointed. The Oxfordshire side covered the floor well and had a potent attack. The difference once again was in Newbury’s giant middle blockers who worked like Trojan’s to get up in the faces of the visitors attack. What was impressive was not merely the number of times that they were able to challenge the University’s spikers, but the number of clean kill blocks they made between them. Time and again what looked a big winner from the visitors was stuffed back in their faces and scored a point to Newbury. The first set went the home team’s way 25-21.











Not used to being treated this way the University boys soaked up Newbury’s serving well and did their best to launch killer attacks. When Newbury colossal block was beaten their back court provided a demonstration on good housekeeping reaching every ball and passing up to Sue Sayers, whose intelligent distribution drew attacks from back and front court.

In the end it was again Newbury’s ferocious blocking that won the day, with the last point roofed out by Ed Cave. However, Richard Cottle was given Most Valuable Player award for his intimidating display and Newbury claimed the game 25-19. The league is very tight this year and with a double win under their belt Newbury should expect to leap up the table.

Posted by Richard on Sunday, 02.19.12 @ 22:15pm | #834

Ladies match 12th Feb 2012

Newbury ladies fought a gallant battle against the student team of Reading University at their home venue St.Gabriels School. With a depleted team due to holidays and injury Newbury had to bring in junior Ewan Ainsworth to play in his first match, and utilise the phantom player rule which allows the team to be 5 rather than 6 players.
Coach Sue Sayers adapted the on court positions to give maximum coverage of the court. Leah Thompson opened service and put Newbury into a 2 point lead. Good cover and hitting allowed them to stay on top until Readings no. 9 S.Altonji came back with a barrage of strong serves which rattled Newbury’s defence. Finally Christine Milne secured a good pass allowing Ewan to navigate his hit around the block and put Newbury back into the game, they finished the set 2 points down. 23-25
The second set Reading were determined to fight back hard taking control from the outset. Newbury were hard pressed to cover all the court and finished the set 12 - 25 down.
Ewan Ainsworth was awarded player of the match

The second match was against Farnborough, they took an early 7 point lead with Newbury struggling with defence back court. Leah Thompson chased down every ball and secured our service allowing Christine Milne to take a run of serves pulling back the points. Even with the tactical line shots from Sarah Holland and setter Sue Sayers forced into defence Newbury were unable to halt Farnborough, and they took the set and the match 25-17, 25- 11.
Leah Thompson was awarded player of the match
Team Sue Sayers, Christine Milne, Sarah Holland, Leah Thompson, Ewan Ainsworth

Posted by Sue on Monday, 02.13.12 @ 17:22pm | #832

Newbury Volleyball BVA Men’s Division 2 Match Report 18.12.11


Local rivals Didcot opened proceedings by beating Reading Aces 17-25; 25-17 and 15-10.


Newbury v Reading Aces

Reading showed a great deal of respect to Newbury by bringing a large squad including a former player now playing National League. The hosts were with out their specialist back court libero defender, forcing middle hitters Ed Cave and Richard Cottle into reception duties. That is largely where things went wrong early on. Given a good service receive Jordan Ayres was able to find his wide hitters who thrashed home their advantage. When the receive was less good Newbury could not kill and this allowed Reading Aces to volley into the corners and pick up points. Despite a severe ear bashing from their coach Newbury succumbed little by little to Reading’s cheap shots, losing 16-25.

Things were not a whole lot better in the second set but improved serving put the early pressure on the visitors and allowed Newbury to build a four point advantage. Marek Stepan and Troy Tilley enjoyed freedom in the wide positions and bombarded a hapless Reading defence. However, the visitors were still able to claw back points by dumping to the corners and turned the screw late on to close the gap, but Newbury where able to close out the set 27-25 in a breathless finish.

Having steadied the ship Newbury took full advantage in the final set releasing some heavy back court hitting from George Scholey and incisive strikes from Stuart McCulley, and Newbury were able to steer home 15-10.


Newbury v Didcot

Didcot also included a National League player in their experienced line up expecting a tough encounter. Having been stretched around the court in the Reading game, Newbury nominated Stuart McCulley as a libero in the final game of the day, sacrificing his hitting power for increased agility in defence. It was gamble that paid off big time. Newbury’s middle hitters could now concentrate on blocking up the net and Marek Stepan and Troy Tilley commanded the area behind the block, forcing Didcot into hitting deep, where Stuart McCulley constantly returned quality passing to his setter.








Newbury were more relaxed with this better organisation and made few mistakes. With their increased confidence they were able to commit to combination attacks to overload Didcot’s competent defence and call on the back court hitters when the ball to the setter was less than perfect. Firing on all cylinders they now controlled most aspects of the game and won 25-20 and 25-21 against very decent opposition. Coach Sue Sayers said ‘They had me pulling my hair out in the first game but I am very proud of our performance against Didcot’.

Posted by Richard on Monday, 12.19.11 @ 11:42am | #830

Berkshire Volleyball Association Mixed League 11.12.11


Newbury v Farnborough

The mixed division is going to take some winning this year with any side capable of beating any other. Newbury, without several of their first choice players, took on a resurgent Farnborough Lions side, whom they had confidently swept aside on the opening day of the season. This was a much more even game though Newbury made more of the play, they were guilty of making more of the mistakes as well. The game was level at 14-14 until Troy Tilley was allowed to rattle of five points on service and swing the game, with Newbury finishing the set 25-16.

The Hampshire side continued to frustrate without over committing to attack, they kept their back court tidy and showed good support to stay in touch on the scoreboard. It was nip and tuck for most of the second set with Farnborough dumping and rolling balls over the top of the block, whereas Newbury were always looking for the clean kill. However it was enough to keep pressure on Newbury, who squandered game point on 25-24, and then lost the next two points to go down 25-27.

It was just as well Newbury got off to a good start in the third set with setter Sue Sayers calling in attacks for all corners. Newbury were good value for their 8-2 lead at the change of ends, but thereafter were guilty of thumping some good opportunities out of court. Still some assured play from Jordan Ayres and Luisa Bergunde was enough to see Newbury home 15-11, with debutant Abi Wooden was named most valuable player.

Oxford were allowed to play to their strengths against Farnborough winning 25-11 and 25-18.


Newbury v Oxford

Oxford are always technically very competent and well organised. On Sunday they put out a large squad and drafted in cover from the National League in order to compete with Newbury’s athleticism. Off the back of their clinical win against Farnborough they came out with flags flying and all guns blazing. However, sensational blocking by Ed Cave and Richard Cottle sealed up the centre of the net, forcing the home team to attack from wide.










Newbury eased themselves back into the game reaching 21-21. Oxford won the next three points and stood poised to close out the first set, when once again a bout of incisive serving from Troy Tilley, nullified the Oxford attack and allowed a hard working Newbury side to steal five points and take the set 26-24.

Once again Oxford got off to a good start in the second set, forcing the visitors to chase the game. But fight, Newbury did, always staying within two or three points. Inexorably though the size of Oxford’s squad began to pay off. Newbury had already played a three setter and were beginning to feel the pace. Oxford were able to rotate their players and bring fresh blood to the attack. That little difference kept them on top and they took the second set 19-25.

The third set proved to be one too many for Newbury, having played an explosive game, looking as always, for the big hits, they were now struggling to produce quality on the first ball, and this led to a loss in power at the net. Oxford began to also benefit from some good finishing from their middle hitters and pulled away to win 6-15 late in the evening. Jordan Ayres picked up the most valuable player award. Newbury learned it is tough at the top, everyone wants a piece of you. They now face crucial games against Maidenhead to get back to the top slot.

Posted by Richard on Monday, 12.19.11 @ 11:41am | #826

Berkshire Volleyball Association Mixed League 27.11.11


Newbury v Basingstoke

Newbury were up against it throughout this tough derby game with a well organised Basingstoke side. Newbury started well but the Hampshire side dug deep to keep in touch. Outside hitters Dave Popper and Luisa Bergunde mixed power with guile but Basingstoke showed great team work to keep the Berkshire team from getting too far ahead.

Sue Sayers played intelligently at setter mixing the attacks and involving Ya Owen to stretch the width of the attack. Newbury’s early lead was gradually eroded as Basingstoke threw everything at the game to fight back to 18-18.
Newbury substituted Stuart McCulley into the mix to steady the ship following a time out, they were able to focus and scrape to a 25-23 set win.

The second set was even tighter with Newbury being made to hang onto the Hampshire team’s coat tails as they began to dominate at the net. A powerful blocking display by Troy Tilley and Richard Cottle in the middle of the net, together with a commanding performance by Dave Godden as libero, made sure Basingstoke had to fight for every point, and this became particularly crucial as Basingstoke coughed up three set points. Newbury needed only one such opportunity to close out a close contest winning the second set 29-27. Ya Owen was a worthy winner of the Most valuable Player award.


Spikeopaths 2 v Newbury

Newbury had to come from behind as Spikeos 2 tried to avenge the visitor’s double victory over their first and third teams three weeks previously. Richard Cottle served ten unanswered points in the first set to tie down the home teams defence, allowing Newbury’s accurate reception to fuel Sue Sayers incisive setting. Stuart McCulley unleashed some lethal kills to keep the scoreboard rolling and Ya Owen again pitching in to stretch the defence, as Newbury ground out a 19-25 set win.













The Reading based side came back with some determined attacks themselves in the second set but Dave Godden’s athleticism shone in defence and prevented several sure winners. Luisa Bergunde opened up her shoulders to let some powerful back court hitting in the second half of the set to keep Newbury’s noses in front. This helped create the constant pressure which led to Spikeo’s fading late on as Newbury closed the game with a 17-25 set win and Luisa Bergunde was given the Most Valuable Player award.


Spikeopaths v Basingstoke

In the third leg of this triangular fixture Basingstoke prevailed 25-21; 24-26; and, 15-10. These results take Newbury to the top of the division with Maidenhead.

Posted by Richard on Tuesday, 11.29.11 @ 14:55pm | #822

Under 16 Nationals
Elisa and Katie have gone through to the second round of under 16 to be held 14th January

BVA ladies
The ladies team beat Reading Aces and Newbold College last week

Posted by Sue on Tuesday, 11.29.11 @ 14:54pm | #819

Berkshire Volleyball Association Mixed League 06.11.11


Newbury adopt a ruthless approach to winning

Spikeos 1 beat Spikeos 3 in the first leg of this triangular fixture by 25-14 and 25-20.


Newbury v Spikeos 3

Newbury got off to a good start in their first game of the season, capitalising on solid serving, they reduced their Reading based opponents to dumping back free ball. The home team established an early lead and never allowed Spikeos of regain parity. Newbury cruised to a 25-20 win in the first set but then spent the interval analysing their mistakes.

The second set was pretty much one way traffic with Spikeos struggling to find points, whilst Newbury consistently built attacks and executed clean winners. Newbury closed out the game 25-9. The clinical nature of this win was to stand them in good stead.


Newbury v Spikeos 1

Newbury were really up against it against last years champions who led b a point or two throughout the first set, until 21-21. The home side were solid in defence with Christine Milne and Luisa Bergunde picking up well in the back court. Sue Sayers set consistently inviting ball, and both Troy Tilley and Rajiv Surve kept the scoreboard ticking over. The problem was Spikeos were also able to launch crushing attacks. The visitors created set points at 23-24, 25-26 and 26-27. Newbury continued to fight, and a colossal block by Richard Cottle to save the set, lifted the Newbury Spirits to fight for the last two points and win the set 29-27.

The second set swung back and forth, with first Newbury opening a six point lead behind Richard Cottle’s deceptive serve, and then the Reading team feeding their hitters to win a string of points. Spikeos continued to mix their attacks, finding success in dumping behind the block and attacking the right hand corner. It was enough for them to establish a narrow lead and they held their nerve to squeeze out the set 21-25.






Fortunately the Newbury side were all experienced players and wise enough to push their wing cover forward for the third set and switch Luisa Bergunde to right attack to challenge the hitting out wide. Sue Sayers opened the set with a virtuoso display of serving which tied down the Spikeos defence. Troy Tilley began to intimidate at the net and Rajiv Surve flung himself about the back court refusing to let the ball touch down.

Mixing stoic defence with lightening attack, Newbury overwhelmed the visitors’ defence and they no longer had the options which they had exploited in the previous set. Spikeos had not lost a game in this division for over a year and were keen not to lose on Sunday. However with each point won Newbury narrowed their eyes and focussed in on taking the next point too running out worthy winners 15-3. Both teams were clearly exhausted by an enthralling game. Newbury will do well to reach the peaks they achieved they did in this game again this season. Rajiv Surve was awarded Most Valuable player in both games.

Posted by Richard on Thursday, 11.10.11 @ 22:21pm | #814

Newbury Volleyball BVA Men’s Division 2 Match Report 23.10.11


Newbury opened this season’s campaign with a triangular fixture against experienced sides from Didcot and Reading. Newbury blended some of their talented under 18’s with seasoned campaigners.


Didcot v Newbury

The Oxfordshire outfit got off to the better start but Newbury soon began to reel them in reaching 12-12 and never looking back. Newbury’s latest acquisition David Popper was soon up to pace, troubling the Didcot defence. Jordan Ayres read the game immaculately setting quality ball for his hungry spikers. Ed Cave topped the blocking stats to pressurise Didcot’s attack. With Stuart McCulley regularly finding the opponents’ floor Newbury cruised to a 17-25 win in the first set.

Didcot regrouped and dug deep in the second set and managed to release power of big hitting Scot Wallis. Newbury’s youngsters shone in their determination to soak up back court pressure with George Scholey rescuing a number of ferocious kills. With Newbury 12-9 down, they turned to Richard Cottle’s experience and magical float serve to redress the balance.

The Oxfordshire team continued to impress reaching 24-22 and hoping to close the game out. Rajiv Surve came to the fore for Newbury chasing down a lost cause and allowing Newbury to claw their way back into the set. Newbury concentrated on the simple things to draw level and then take the lead. The final point was a classic with Didcot fighting for their lives. Despite the pressure Jordan Ayres was eventually able to find Richard Cottle swinging for outside to kill a beautiful point down the line, closing the second set 24-26.

DIdcot took Spikeopaths to three sets before narrowly going down 1-2


Spikeopaths v Newbury

Newbury played all the volleyball in this game scoring some spectacular points. However in their efforts to build pressure they were also guilty of trying to be too clinical. Spikeos limited their ambition to just keeping the ball up and barely got any significant attacks away.

In their eagerness to produce good rhythm and clean winners Newbury dropped one or two vital lines of communication and mistakes began to appear. The first set drifted away 25-21 in favour of Spikeos.







The second set continued in the same way with Newbury achieving spectacular winners and over anxious mistakes in equal measure. The Reading side simply could not believe their luck they were having little influence on the game but comfortably staying in it.

Newbury also lost Stuart McCulley early in the second set, forcing Richard Cottle to play out of position. It was a frustrating to watch Newbury’s endeavour and success in one moment and see a string of small errors caused by Spikeos mistakes disrupting Newbury’s flow. The second set went the same way as the first 25-22 to Spikeos. This is possibly a result Newbury may regret at the other end of the season.

Posted by Richard on Thursday, 11.10.11 @ 22:18pm | #805

We have joined with Team Southampton for the Nationals
Jordan, Alex, Dave, Ed, and George are playing under 18
Harry under 16’s and Abi Katie and Elisa under 16’s
They are training every week in Eastleigh in preparation
Jordan Alex and Dave have been asked to attend South Divisional trials starting in November, this is the next step up the talent development pathway

Posted by Sue on Tuesday, 10.11.11 @ 14:41pm | #803

We have had a busy summer lots of beach volleyball at Sandbanks Weymouth, Croyde Worthing and Boscombe
Elisa and Katie won the Windfest finals in the under 14 age group
Jordan Alex and Harry took part in the under 18 JVEBT
Next year we are looking to do more beach training for those who want to play
We sent teams to outdoor grass tournaments Ashcombe Oxford and Whitefield
I attended the beach camp in Bournemouth for elite athletes we are hoping that some of our players can attend next time. Exams restricted them this year.
The club did a float for Newbury Carnival and then held a session in the park in the afternoon

Posted by Sue on Tuesday, 10.11.11 @ 14:35pm | #797