GUERNSEY once again won the major inter-insular volleyball matches at the weekend, with Jersey repeating last year’s victories in the B matches.
Jersey’s men were trounced 3-0 in what was probably the worst performance of the day by a Jersey team.Said player and JVA president Paul Adamson: ‘We were up against Guernsey’s Island Games squad and we just didn’t play as a team.’We didn’t completely disgrace ourselves in the second set, as our passing improved so setter Damian Spencer had more options, but the first and third were awful.’Men’s A: Guernsey 3, Jersey 0 (25-9, 25-22, 25-12): In the second set Jersey managed to pull themselves together and improve the feed so the hitters could split the Guernsey block, and Albin Piecuch reading the block well to win vital points gave Jersey morale a boost.But the improvement was short-lived and Guernsey romped home in the third to retain the title in style.Women’s A: Guernsey 3, Jersey 2 (22-25, 21-25, 25-15, 25-14, 25-0): In complete contrast, the Jersey women’s A squad had an excellent game - indeed, they made history by taking a two-set advantage.They went ahead from the start with an immense work rate and exceptional court coverage and took the first set 25-22.The second could have gone either way after Julie Sangan, who had played superbly to that point, went over at the net on an opponent’s foot.
Substitute Ellen Carroll took up the challenge and, with a six-point serve spree from captain Michelle Hèrvieu, Jersey kept their noses in front to take the set 25-21.The Guernsey women’s resolve and endurance then came to the fore and, as Jersey began to tire, they took the advantage and won the third set 25-15 and the fourth 25-14, but the visitors still had a real opportunity to win in the decider.Fate intervened a second time after another intrusion under the net - by the same player who caused Sangan’s problem - created chaos for Hèrvieu, who landed badly and could not continue.
With the available squad used up, Jersey had no choice but to forfeit the last set.The B teams provided some degree of consolation, with the Jersey women - a newly formed squad - demonstrating remarkable experience and effort to win their match in three sets.
Women’s B: Guernsey 0, Jersey 3 (18-25, 11-25, 23-25): Setter Chantal Coram played skilfully and accurately throughout and her strong serve carved its way through the Guernsey defence, assisted by good passing from Jo Carter and Lucy Hughes.Captain Jo Dodsley led by example, feeding the ball superbly and demonstrating that she remains one of the best spikers in the Island, as her left-handed hits proved rally winners time after time.Off-setter Alice Baxter played a good game, adding her skill to assist in the setting options while Sam Horsfall played her best game of the season and Amanda Salt had a pleasing inter-insular debut.
Coach Lee Ingram could be suitably satisfied with his team’s performance.Men’s B: Guernsey 1, Jersey 3 (15-25, 24-26, 25-19, 11-25): This was another superb match, despite this being a new and inexperienced squad with many of the players showing the potential to become some of the best players in Jersey.A close start in the first set was ended with a run of six serves by Paul Simon, who went on to repeat this in set two.
Good passing from all players assisted Dave Davies in his setting options.
With Matt Morel spiking strongly at four, this was an obvious outlet, as too was Rob Honey in the middle, using his height and strength to kill the ball at each chance.Mario Setubal offered superb support for his setter while captain Martin Maack certainly set the standard, proving how vital a strong four-hitter is in the team.In set two a six-point deficit was overturned in one rotation on Simon’s serve and this gave Jersey the advantage and the set.Guernsey won the third but Jersey was determined and they won the fourth for overall victory.
Article posted on 30th April, 2004 - 12.00am
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