Yorkshire Volleyball Association Plate Cup Final PDF Print E-mail

Yorkshire Volleyball Association Plate Cup final at Gryphon Sports Centre
Leeds,  25th April 2010.

York Phoenix Ladies V North Riding Eagles


Having done the double over North Riding Eagles in the league, Phoenix were intent on making it a hat trick of victories by winning the plate final. Phoenix were immediately on top in the first set as the experienced Wendy Gate served several aces and with positive hitting from Lesley Gamble, Phoenix commanded an 11-0 lead This clearly unsettled the young Eagles side who tried desperately hard but blocking at the net by Victoria Eaton and further spikes down the line by Debbie Collins confirmed Phoenix’s dominance to go 25-12.

Both teams traded point for point early on in the 2nd set but once again the dominance of the Phoenix attack led by Wendy Gate gained the edge. Using the height advantage of their front line, Phoenix opened up a lead. At 18-12 up Stella Pycroft came on for Lesley Gamble and immediately her agility at the net overcame Eagle’s tipping tactic. Good, high setting from Wendy Cattle and captain Pam Beadman enabled the front hitters to spike further balls into the Eagles court as Phoenix ran in 25-16.

Eagles came out with purpose in the 3rd set, excellent serving and some poor defensive play saw Phoenix trail 3-8. However, following a time-out by Coach Derek Cattle, Phoenix began to fight back and vary their attacks. The turning point of the set was at 10 all when skipper Beadman, produced 2 remarkable pick-ups which galvanised the team. The lead was regained at 14-13 by a Collins rocket into the corner of the Eagle’s court. Phoenix then began to take control and 2 further spikes by Collins gave Phoenix the set 25-16 and the match 3-0.

 

Phoenix men narrowly missed out at the same venue as they went down 3-2 to a good Leeds side. No one team was dominant but Leeds just had the edge taking the final set 15-11. Following wins over York and Barnsley plus Menwith Hill conceding a match, York Phoenix are assured of Premier League status next season.

 

Gordon Fallowfield

 

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Photo Caption:

Back L-R: Derek Cattle (coach); Lesley Gamble; Victoria Eaton; Wendy Gate

Front L-R: Stella Pycroft; Wendy Cattle; Pam Beadman (captain) Debbie Collins.