This weekend saw the Regional Champions Trophy take place at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering. Teams gathered from all over the country in what was the final major senior indoor event of the season.
Torexe picked up 3rd spot for the South West
In the men’s competition, Spelthorne and GNG Bedford finished day one at the top, with GNG Bedford edging top spot after winning their games in straight sets. Redhill and Newcastle City weren’t too far behind, having only lost one game apiece. Spelthorne also led the women’s pool, with Alcester hot on their heels- only just behind on points difference. Barnsley and Torexe Aces occupied 3rd and 4th spot, followed by Darkstar, Peterborough Harriers and Sunderland City Predators.
Wiltshire Mavericks, bottom of the table after day one, upped their game at the start of day 2, pushing Spelthorne men all way, narrowly losing in the 3rd set. Redhill matched the Maverick’s performance, and nearly went one step further as they lost to 13 in the 3rd end against table toppers GNG Bedford. The final group game saw GNG Bedford facing Newcastle City, the winner earning a place in the final against Spelthorne. Newcastle took it, winning in straight sets. The final proved to be a high quality game, with Newcastle avenging their pool game defeat, winning in straight sets 25-14, 25-21.
A disapointing weekend for the Mavericks, who could not replicate their winning league form
Sunderland City Predators, after losing all 3 games on day one, managed to turn their form around and won 3 out of 3 on day 2, earning them a 4th place finish. Torexe Aces finished 3rd, with Alcester beating Spelthorne in the final pool match to take top spot. Spelthorne had the chance to turn the tables though, playing Alcester in the final immediately after their pool game. The match went to 3 ends, with Alcester leading 8-4 in the 3rd. A big comeback from Spelthorne, followed by another run of points gave them match point, which they took, winning 25-23, 21-25, 15-13.
The final group standings are below:
Men:
1. Spelthorne
2. Newcastle City
3. GNG Bedford
4. Redhill
5. Lincoln Lynx
6. Wiltshire Mavericks
Final: Newcastle City beat Spelthorne (2-0)
25-14, 25-21
Women:
1. Alcester
2. Spelthorne
3. Torexe Aces
4. Sunderland City Predators
5. Barnsley
6. Darkstar
7. Peterborough Harriers
Final: Spelthorne beat Alcester (2-1)
25-23, 21-25, 15-13
Full results on the Volleyball England web site at:
http://www.volleyballengland.org/news/article/4401/regional-champions-trophy-2012-results!
