Newbury pair hit double top
TWO under-18 boys – Alex James and Chris Hill from Newbury Volleyball Club – won the men’s section of the annual indoor doubles volleyball tournament this weekend at Ashcombe School in Dorking.
There were 20 teams competing against each other in 10minute-long matches.
The tournament was played under beach rules on a smaller court.
The Newbury pair featured in some nail-biting matches, one of which was against a team called ‘Made in Brazil’ where Newbury just took the lead at the final whistle to win 19-18.
Newbury were beaten by Farnborough during the afternoon matches, although they were to meet again in the final, which ended with Newbury winning 25-20.
Both James and Hill have been part of the Newbury men’s team competing in the Berkshire Volleyball Association League, where they finished top of their division.
The young team, most of who have come through from the junior section, were unbeaten and dropped only two sets over the entire season, earning a well-deserved promotion to Division One.
Club coach Sue Sayers said it has been great achievement seeing the youngsters progress.
The club has developed players and directed them through selection at Inter Regionals and on to the England Talent Pathway.
Carefully adapted training sessions enable the club to offer volleyball to all ages and abilities.
Prior to the Ashcombe tournament the boys were encouraged to develop their their beach skills.
In beach volleyball the team consists of only two players rather than six for indoor volleyball and the rules differ.