Vipers 3 Horsham 2 Match Report from Mark

The Vipers took on Horsham on Sunday in what was expected to be a very tough game.

Horsham had a large squad of tall powerful players, are well organised and were clearly fired up for the game. The Vipers also had a full squad with the exception of Jimmy for the first set. The starting 6 were Paul and Mickey passer hitters, Mark and Nigel middle, Damien opposite, Andy L setting and Richard libero, with strong substitutes of Andy C, Dom, Matt and Jimmy.

Set 1 started well for both teams with a high standard of volleyball on show. Unfortunately the Vipers made too many errors at the start of the set allowing Horsham to pick up easy points and open up an early lead. A strong end to the set from the Vipers was not enough though and Horsham were able to see out the first set. The second set saw Jimmy replace Paul who had played and attacked strongly towards the end of set 1. Using the momentum and confidence from the end of set 1 the Vipers started well and were able to open the middle and win points comfortably. The more focused effort allowed the Vipers to cut out the errors, put Horsham under pressure, which they did not like, and were unable to respond too. Set 3 went the same way as set 2 and again the Vipers were able to control Horsham attacks with a few changes to the defence system and put pressure onto Horsham.

Vipers lost a run of early points at the start of the fourth set that allowed Horsham to take an early lead. Vipers did manage to stop the run, fought back well, but never managed to get a run of points to close the game. Still playing well but only trading points the game headed to a fifth set. The crucial final set started evenly with both team trading points, which was made easy for the Vipers with a number of Horsham serving errors. Horsham did manage to take the lead at 13-10 though and the Vipers were up against it in the shortened set. Some great pick ups from both Mickey and Nigel in the back court changed the game and as momentum swung back in the vipers favour they were able to see out the fifth set thanks to some good back court coverage and powerful attacking.

To win 3-2 in a crucial game showed how the team has developed and all involved, although limited in court time due to the nature of the game, were key to a great win. MVP went to Andy Lay and was well deserved for his good distribution and decision making under pressure.

Thanks also to the support which has great to have and provided really good atmosphere and Martin who assisted with coaching advice.