Events

On the eve of Grand Prix Volleyballers' annual visit to Margate sands, we were invited to play in a schools Tournament on Friday 7 July 2011. We fielded boys and girls teams in the four proposed events, and the squad members were anxious to get a little sand between their toes! The weather was challenging for the most experienced outdoor players, let alone our beginners. However, they soon leant how to use the elements to their best advantage and both boys teams along with one of the girls teams won through to the finals of their events.

Both of our girls teams found themselves in the same under 15 competition, as there were no entries in the U13 division. One of the teams – Ellen Whitehead, Ellie Terziyski, Danielle Oliver, Emma Bryant, Chloe Moran and Lauren Joy - managed to win all of their games and so took on Pent Valley on the show court for the U15 Girls Final. Our girls managed to find their serve and fought their way past Pent Valley's initial lead to become the Champions. All of our players were from Years eight and nine and therefore be eligible to play again next year should the opportunity arise. A great and gritty experience for all!

Our Boys teams operated squads of six with a rotation system which meant that all players played in every game making each match a real team effort.

The under 13 team consisting of Henry Tucker, Todd Jordan, George Spurrier, Dan Adams, Joe Peskett and James Mileham

Competing in a straight league competition with the top two teams going on to the final and the following results led to them making that final,

V Harvey Grammar 1 – Lost 20-21
V Pent Valley – Won 21-12
V Charles Dickens – Won 21-14
V Hereson – Won 21-8
V Harvey Grammar 2 – Won 21-13

This meant a final playoff against Harvey Grammar 1 whom they had lost to in the very first game of the competition by one point. A closely contested game again was very even but it was undoubtedly a higher quality game than the first showing that both teams had learnt and adjusted their skills and strategies throughout the event. Unfortunately the Harvey team proved too strong for our team once again and we lost 17-21. A great first experience of the event for our Year eights though and one they will hope to repeat next year but with a slightly improved final outcome.
For many of our under 15 team this was a second visit to this event and their skill levels reflected their experience. The team consisted of George Day, Mason Webb, Luke Webber, Eli Votta, Jordan Box and Max Vernieuwe.
Their competition saw them involved in a group with the top two from their group going into a semi final and their results ensured that they did indeed make that semi final.

Group Stage
V Simon Langton C – Lost 15-21
V Ursuline 2 – Won 21-16
V Charles Dickens – Won 21-16
V Harvey 1 – Won 21-9

Semi Final
Simon Langton B – Won 21-14

In the showcase final they then went on to play Simon Langton A. An excellent contest saw neither team take more than a one point lead until 15-15 and there were some outstanding rallies with both teams throwing themselves all over the court and many excellent shots. It was clear that the standard of volleyball had improved notably throughout the day and it was good to see two teams committed to winning and competing with energy and enthusiasm. Unfortunately at 15-all Simon Langton extended their lead to finally win 21-16. An excellent effort from our Year tens all round though.

Overall it was an excellent day for all involved and a good experience for staff and students alike.
Congratulations to all involved.