Tough competition in volleyballs finals

THE preliminary finals of the Morwell volleyball competition turned into long hard games for both the men's and women's division one teams. Both these games went to five sets with many good rallies and the lead changing many times. In the men's division one game between Warriors and Poachers, which took nearly two hours, took the first set quite comfortably 15-5. Poachers blocked well in this set but powerful serving and spiking by Warriors number 20, N. Blankenship kept this set out of Poachers' reach. Poachers took the lead quickly in the second set but Warriors settled their play and again with devastating serving by Blankenship and powerful spiking by T Basten took control of the game. Fuses grew short and many yellow and red cards were handed out. Warriors then finished this set off 15-9.

The third set was a different story with Poachers blocking very well and consistent spiking by E. Kaik, A Marks, S Bates, G Wiggins and R Jarvis gave Poachers this set 15-10. The fourth set saw some long rallies. Poachers seemed to find form only to slow down and stop attacking. Both sides stopped many attack shots with great blocking. These was strong spiking by Warriors S. Carruthers and Poachers S Bates and G Wiggins with Poachers taking this set 15-13. With two sets each both teams had to prepare for the sudden death play-off in the fifth set. Both teams played well in this set fighting it out to the end but Warriors seemed to get control of the game lack and took this set 15-9. Warriors defeated Poachers 15-5, 15-9, 10-15, 13-15, 15-9. The women's division one game also went to five sets and really tested the stamina of some

of the long time players. Drifters took control of the first set with Magnum struggling to find form. Drifters' excellent court coverage always makes them a hard team to beat. They took this set 15-7. The next two sets were long and a lot of good volleyball was played. Serving was consistent and some powerful attacking took place. Magnum managed to take the second set 15-12 and the third set 16-14. Magnum took the lead in the fourth set and looked to being on the was to winning the game but the Drifters are known to not give up and with a small but vocal cheer squad behind them they fought back hard and took this set 15-11. The killer fifth set finished this game off quickly with Magnum not able to get ahead at any stage and Drifters kept their team settled and fought hard for every point to win the set 15-10.

Drifters defeated Magnum 15-7, 12-15, 14-16, 15-11, 15-10. The game was a credit to both teams. In the men's division two game TNT defeated Sticks 15-11, 15-8, 16-14. The mixed division saw Ignabu defeat Rejects 15-3, 16-14, 15-2. The grand finals will be played tomorrow with a change in some times. Men's division 1: Ubangi v Warriors (Duty Poachers). Starting time 6:40pm. Men's division 2: Vikings v TNT (Duty - Sticks). Starting time 8pm. The presentation night will be held at the Morwell Bowling Club, Hazelwood Road, on 11 December at 7:30pm. A light supper will be served afterwards.