Results Update

A quick update on Sunday's games as follows:-

Jets missed Dan's organisational skills and managed to turn up late for their match against Brighton Jags and with the home team applying the letter of the law they started the game 2-0 down! A good performance without a warm up saw them get to 17 points before losing 3-0. MVP was Matt Lay.

Angels played Demons with a new setter and a spirited performance saw them score at least 18 points in each set. They are improving with every match and now have enough players to mix things up despite missing both Emma and Amy.

Vipers played a scratch Storrington team who battled hard, but finally a closed out a tighter third set to take the game 3-0 and move ever closer to the final two games of the season against Crawley and Brighton Jaguars which will decide a very close season. Crawley remain firm favourites for the title having only lost one match (to the Jets) and Brighton Jag's have only lost two games (both against Crawley), but Vipers have to play them both. Wins for the Vipers against Storrington, Crawley and Brighton Jag's would mean getting out the calculators to see who would win on sets difference etc, but there is a long way to go before we need to worry about that!

Worthing ladies NVL team won one and lost one at the weekend, but winning the league is still in their own hands and they just need to win the last two games to secure back to back championships and promotions! Keep an eye on our Facebook site for match reports from Dan.

If anyone wants to provide more details on any of these games or indeed any others before the end of the season you only need to email ,me the report and any pictures and I will get them loaded!

Vipers Vrs Jets The Rematch

The Vipers Vrs Jets rematch started with Matt Lay stepping in as setter for the Jets as Martin was late due to work. Vipers were without Nigel and so Mickey stepped in through the middle.

An even contest at the start of the set, but Vipers started to impose themselves with big hits from Damo and Matt Smith and they took the first set to 14.

With Martin back for the second the Jets relaxed too much and found themselves 8-0 down. But a good comeback due to better back court cover and improved blocking saw them start to chip away at the Vipers lead. The Jets threatened to get inside Damo's head, but he started to vary his hits and the Vipers closed out the second set with a few points to spare.

A close start to the third set saw Mark replace Mickey through the middle and Derek started to find his range. The Vipers closed out a key 3-0 win, but the Jets played well with good back court cover from Marlon, middle hitting from both Josh and Ninah. The Jets are safe this season and still expect them to surprise a few more teams if they can field their strongest team.

Vipers MVP went to, Derek and for Jets it was Marlon.

Scratch Jets Team Lose 3-0 To Crawley

Jets played away against Crawley without regular setter Martin, Magic, Luis or Dan! Andy stepped in to set and Kishan played up from the Sharks which meant Matt opposite, Josh and Ninah through the middle and Marlon through the outside.

Crawley started strong and the Jets struggled to find a decent first pass without Libero, Dan, who was with the Devils. Better play in the middle of the set, by too many service errors and simple mistakes meant Crawley won the set with comparative  ease.

A better second set as the team started to gel and put a better block up with Josh finding his range through the middle. But Crawley won the set and the Jets regrouped for the third.

A much better performance in the third set with Ninah and Kish hitting well and Marlon starting to find holes in the Crawley defence. Jets took the set to 27-25 with good hitting from Matt including the odd backcourt attack and had Crawley worried for a while. Josh picked up a deserved MVP as the Jets strongest hitter, but good performances from all considering the many changes and missing players.

Jets beat EG and Vipers Struggle To Win 3-2 Against Eastbourne

Vipers played Eastbourne at the High School on Sunday after the Jets beat East Grinstead with a very strong 3-0 performance.

The Jets had a full squad for the first time in months with Luis back from his travels. They started with Magic opposite and Matt through the outside after his strong performance there against the Vipers last week (well for the first set anyway!). A much improved first pass meant Martin was able to open up the middle and Josh took full advantage with one of his best performances this season so far. Ninah continues to improve through the middle and is starting to nail a few blocks and quick attacks. A solid block and hitting through opposite from Magic, mobile coverage back court from Dan and the strong outside hitting options from Marlon and Luis mean the Jets have options and when they pull together are a force to be reckoned with.

Strong serving and varied attacks orchestrated by Martin meant the Jets never looked in danger of losing a set and they finished 3-0 winners. Retaining their first division status last season was the first time any "second" team has managed to stay in the top tier of Sussex volleyball and this win should assure first Division status for next season so they can now relax and see how far up the table they can finish. 

The Vipers game moved to a friendly as Eastbourne could only manage to bring 5 players and consequently they really struggled to find the motivation to take the game seriously. Josh helped out Eastbourne who started strongly taking an early lead which they never looked in danger of losing. The first and second sets went to Eastbourne against a very flat and lack lustre Vipers team who looked like they would rather be down the pub!

Strong words from the coach and determined efforts from their setter saw them sneak the third set before they gradually started to wake up! A close fourth set went to the Vipers before they finally moved through the gears to secure a relatively easy final set win.

A good performance from Eastbourne and especially Josh who showed the Vipers no mercy! Good character from the Vipers after a very poor start, but five sets can only help new Viper Derek find his range through the outside and settle in to the service receive.

Thanks to all who stayed to officiate and play on a night where some had travelled to and from Manchester.

Great Start To The Season

Devils played their first match without many regulars including Sintija, Amy, Gemma and Mel. This meant Emma playing up from the Angels and Katie Lay starting her first match again playing up from the Angels. After a slow start to the first set normal service was resumed and they won the match 3-0. Watch this space in case Dan loads a more detailed report!

Jets started slow against Crawley with a debut for Nino, Matt Lay playing his first match opposite and Mickey through the outside. Having lost Bernard, Dom, Matt Wilkes and Iain over the summer it was a case of getting to know each other in the first set. Jets lost the first set, but cut out the mistakes to win the next two sets before losing the fourth which set up a fifth set thriller!

A flying start to the final set with lots of noise and fewer mistakes enabled a 3-2 winning start to the season.

Luis picked up MVP for the Jets and Chantelle for the Devils.

Jets beat Storrington to secure Div1 status.

The Jets faced Storrington knowing that they had to win the match to stay in Div1 next season! The Jets started with Martin setter and Dom opposite, Matt and Josh through the middle and Luis and Marlon through the outside. The first set was very tense with Storrington taking an early lead which they maintained until the Jets edged ahead to take a 1-0 lead. By now Bernard was playing through the outside and started the second set very strong. Again the Jets struggled to keep with Storrington until strong words from Martin helped turn things around to lead 2-0. In the third set Jets mixed things up with Matt Wilkes playing opposite and Iain coming on as well, but Storrington had found their form and won the set to take it in to a fourth. Back to the second set rotation for the Jets, but Storrington just managed to close out a very tense set to take it to a deciding set. Time to get serious! With one point in it at the turn around both teams continued to trade points until the Jets edged ahead to win 15-13. In the most competitive league for many many years the Jets just managed to beat a strong and well matched team to secure their div 1 future. Bernard saved his best performance for his last ever match for the Jets and Marlon had a very strong game. It was a good all performance and we now have one game left against Eastbourne in a few weeks time.

Jets take a set from Crawley in a close match.

The Jets were without Matt Wilkes, Bernard and Marlon, but welcomed back Martin who missed the last match against the Vipers.

A great start to the match from the Jets who won a close first set against a much improved Crawley with great setting from Martin and hitting from eventual MVP Dom. The second set was a poor tempered affair from Crawley with one of their more vocal and poorly behaved players picking up a well deserved yellow card. The Jets lost the second and third sets as they struggled to cope with the excellent hitting from Crawley's MVP outside hitter No1. The Jets maintained their composure despite continued poor behaviour from Crawley who were intent on commenting on every decision that did not go their way, but energy levels dipped at critical times during the game.

A close forth set was eventually won by Crawley, but this was by far one of the best all round performances from the Jets. Performance of the season from Dom with Martin also playing out of his skin. Good blocking from Matt and Josh and sensible hitting from Iain and Luis means we enter the last few games of the season in good shape.

Strong serving during most of the match, but we just need to cut out serving and hitting errors during critical final phases of the game.

Well played Jets, I am proud of your performance and behaviour on court.

Jets Take a Set From Brighton Adur

The Jets travelled away to Brighton Adur with a full squad except for  Iain who was playing for the Sharks.Martin, Matt W, Josh, Matt L Luis and Marlon came back from a poor start in the first set to end on 21 points against a strong Brighton Adur team packed with experience. Dom and Bernard joined the action in the second set for Matt W and Luis and the team failed to get going with poor serve receive and way too many mistakes.
The Jets were more organised in the third set with Matt W back opposite and Dom now through the outside. They managed to keep maintain a narrow lead through out the set to edge the set 25-23 to a clearly frustrated Brighton Adur team. Adur won the four set to wrap up a 3-1 victory, but encouraging signs from the Jets in phases of the match against the more experienced opposition.


MVP went to Dom with some awesome pick ups from Martin worthy of a mention.

Jets start the year with a win.

Jets travelled away to Hastings for the first match of the new year. With the Dolphins national league game cancelled they had a full squad except for Bernard who is yet to return from  the Christmas break and welcomed Marlon for his Worthing debut. Despite some poor serving the Jets secured a relatively close first set before storming to an early lead in a second set which was delayed due to a broken net. A good first pass, excellent court coverage from Dom, great organisation from Matt W and a good around performance saw the Jets close the match out 3-0.

Strong blocking from Matt Lay, good hitting from Iain, Luis, Josh and Marlon, great pick ups from Dom and consistent setting from Martin helped the Jets start the new year well.

Last but not least Dan deserves a mention for his awesome court coverage, consistent passing and all round MVP performance!

Jets lose to Storrington, but Vipers beat Hastings

The Jets travelled to Storrington without their coach (playing for Vipers at Hastings), Luis, Bernard and a late arriving Martin. The Jets lost a close first set with Iain setting, but with Martin taking over setting duties they won the second set 25-8. Two close sets followed, but Storrington managed to win them both and win their first match of the season (I suspect many more wins should follow before the season ends).

Vipers were away at Hastings and without Matt, Dom and Mark and moved to an early 7-0 lead before taking their foot of the pedal. They eventually got back in to the set which they won with some good blocking from Andrew and hitting from Jimmy. The second set saw the Vipers struggle to serve consistently and get a good pass to the setter resulting in Hastings winning by 2 points.

Vipers managed to wake up in the next 2 sets and close out a comparatively easy match 3-1.

Matt Lay picked up MVP for Jets and Damo for the Vipers.

Vipers head to the Christmas back at the top of the league on sets difference from Arun who beat Eastbourne 3-2 on Thursday in one of most fiercely contested leagues for many years.

Jets beat East Grinstead, but lose to Arun.

Jets welcomed back Martin as setter as they played away against East Grinstead with a full squad. A good all round performance started with Josh nailing the first point of the evening with an awesome block. Good setting from Martin enabled the Jets to open up EG through the middle with great hitting from Matt. So an easy win in the first set was followed by a harder second set as EG chased down every ball and the Jets struggled to get a serve in! Good hitting from MVP Dom when the pressure was on saw the Jets finish the last set 29-27 and the coach looked forward to the first market dinner after a win for the Jets.

Jets traveled away to Arun without Luis and Martin which meant a setting debut for Iain. With Matt Wilkes opposite, Josh and Matt Lay through the middle and Dom and Bernard through the outside it was always going to be a tough match.

Jets played well with spirit in each set and managed to get to 19, 21 and 22. Good setting from Iain for his first match and MVP Bernard was quick in back court and varied his hits and tips.

A good week for the Jets with a great result against EG and a good performance against Arun.

  

Jets back To Winning Ways

Jets travelled to Horsham without Martin, Turbo and Bernard needing a win to help secure Div1 status.  Without our regular setters Trees joined the Jets as setter opposite Matt Wilkes, with Matt and captain Josh through the middle and Luis and Dom through the outside.

With a different setter and playing in to the sun the Jets struggled to find their rhythm, but soon got on top to see out a close first set. Without the sun in their eyes the Jets started the second set well and after a mid set wobble, recovered to go 2-0 up.

2-0 up and it was time to mix things up and give Iain the chance to set! Playing in to the sun again meant too many poor first passes and despite some great blocking from Josh the Jets lost the third set 26 - 24.

Trees back setting and a fading sun behind us was not enough to prevent a poor start to the set and at 7-1 down the coach called a time out to read the riot act! The Jets won the serve back and some great serving from Matt L got them back in to the match. More control, less mistakes and the Jets were serving for the match.

A great result and good all round performance oh and this week our Libero Dan actually managed to touch the ball!

Jets lose to Eastbourne Away.

A depleted squad travelled away to Eastbourne with Andy stepping in to set with Iain opposite, Matt and Josh through the middle and Luis and Dan through the outside.

It was always going to be a struggle against a very strong Eastbourne team, but the Jets played well during the first set trying out a new serve receive. The Jets lost 3-0, but it was a much brighter performance with some encouraging signs and we look forward to the next match away against Horsham.

Results round Up

Finally recovered from a bad cold and busy work schedule, so time to catch up on some men's results!

Vipers lost 3-2 to Arun in a very close and competitive match. Vipers started well to take the first set, but Arun responded well to take the next 2 sets. Vipers pulled it back to 2-2 and turned round 8-7 up in the final set before Arun finished strongly to take the match. The game was played in a great and very competitive spirit could have gone either and was well officiated by Freda and Colin. With news of Brighton beating Adur and Eastbourne also unbeaten so far this season it is shaping up for another very close season!

Jets lost 3-0 to Hastings when Turbo made his setting debut as Martin was unavailable. A slightly better performance than the defeat against Crawley, but they struggled to cope with the two strong hasting's outside hitters.

A much better performance from the Jets against Vipers despite losing 3-0. With strong and very vocal support from the side lines the Jets pushed Vipers all the way in the first set. A poor second set from the Jets was followed by a rally in the third set where they again scored more than 20 points. MVP went to Matt Lay and Andrew Crockett.

Jets Struggle Away At Crawley

Jets lost 3 - 1 away against Crawley despite leading in all 4 sets.  The Jets started well enough with some great blocking from Josh, but after an extended delay while the score sheet was "sorted out" they struggled to find any kind of form. With slow back court coverage and too many basic errors we struggled all evening. Time to put a poor performance behind us and focus on Sunday's match against Hastings when the coach expects to see a positive reaction from his players!

Jets Go Down Fighting

Jets welcomed back Dom for their second match of the season against new comers and Sussex Cup winners Arun. A great start to the first set saw the Jets push an experienced Arun team very close, but eventually lose by a few points. Another close second set went to Arun, but the Jets were playing the best volleyball I have seen them play with great back court coverage, strong blocking and setting from Martin. With Matt Wilkes starting the third set the Jets built up a good lead and won a well deserved set. More consistent serving, better serve receive (especially against a topspin serve) and experience in Div1 and the Jets might just of pulled an unlikely victory out of the bag. All in all a very encouraging win with MVP going to Matt Lay, but a strong performance of note from Dom plus great jump serving from Martin. It was a good all round performance that left the coach feeling very proud and looking forward to the next match.

 

 

 

 

 





Jets Win First Div1 Match Against Horsham in a 5 Set Thriller

The Jets were without Dom, but welcomed Josh back to the squad after he tried to remove his thumb at work. Horsham1 has seen a number of changes from the team that finished second in Div1 last year, but they won a tight first set against the Jets who started brightly, but faded towards the end of the set.

Strong words from Martin fired up the Jets who took the second with relative ease and carried the momentum in to the third set to take a 2-1 lead. Horsham responded well in the forth to set up 5th set decider. Jets started very well taking an early lead, however stage fright set in at 13-9 and Horsham came back with a late rally to serve for the match at 14-13. It was a very tense end to the set when the Jets won back the serve and Matt Lay managed to serve out for a 3-2 victory.

Wins for the Jets, Demons, Vipers and Sharks take a set from Brighton

The season started well for Worthing Volleyball club with wins for the Jets in a 5 set thriller, Demons winning 3-1 and the Vipers 3-0. The Sharks lost 3-1 away to Brighton, struggled to field a team, but were helped out by Trees, Chantelle and Sandrine.

The Season Starts This Weekend!!!!!!!!!!

The new volleyball season starts this weekend and all of our clubs are playing!

Sunday 15th September we have...

Home - WHS...
18:00 - Jets vs Horsham
20:00 - Vipers vs East Grinstead

Away - At Brighton and Hove School NOT Lancing Sports Centre
16:00 - Brighton Teela vs Demons
18:00 - Brighton Panthers vs Sharks

Monday 16th September at St Pauls College
20:00 - Dolphin1 vs Devils

Home teams please ensure you have enough players to officiate the other match.

 

Please let me have your match reports and any pictures and I will get the posted straight away.

 

Good luck all teams for another successful season :-)

Worthing win Div3 at Ashcombe

Great weather, great day and a great performance from a mixed Jets and Vipers team at Ashcombe.