STROUD SPANK ALL-COMERS!

The weekend began with the Fun 4's Handicapped Tournament on Saturday afternoon with a record number of teams taking part. The top teams fought it out for the cup, whilst the rest played off for their Pool.

On a sunny afternoon packed full of volleyball, the 42 teams competing in this handicapped tournament got to play between 7 and 9 matches, and all did so in the best possible spirit to ensure that this really was a fun event !

The handicapped Cup Final was contested by the ever-colourful Hawaiian combo 'Spankability' (Stroud) and 'Pretenders' (Exeter University). But spanking is clearly the answer as the Stroud lads did the business in style with a 26-15 win, enough to earn themselves the winners trophies and volleyballs.

Both finalists had to beat off other pretenders to the crown along the way, including Half n' half (Sarah Little), The Greeks (May Ho), The Great Pretenders (Elke Nachtigall), Call that Volleyball (Guy Robinson), All together now (Jackie Pike) and Torquay Non-leaguers (Marion Williams).

And to round off the Stroud success, their sister team 'Luvely Jubilies' (Lisa Ellis) were also triumphant, overcoming fierce opposition to win their pool. Other Pool winners included top seeds 'Mikes bound to moan' (Andy Nicks) and last years Cup winners 'Little & Large show' (Tim Clark).

The Annual Volleyball Party was a sell-out once again and saw the introduction of new Band 'FLETCHER' featuring Carlos the Jackal Haggerty and Danny boy Salter. They started the evening in top form and with their new lead singer have added another dimension to their performances. Main Act 'DIAMOND DOGZ' were another crowd pleaser with one set of Bowie and the final stomping set of Glam Rock. With a 2 course buffet, 2 bands and a day of sunshine filled volleyball, wonderful setting on the lawn and cheap cheap beer, what more can you ask for just £2-50 a head !!??

Coaver Open (6's) ran throughout the Sunday with each team playing between 8 and 10 timed matches, ensuring that everyone got their money's worth out of the weekend yet again.

CUP

With 38 teams competing in the senior event this was clearly going to be the toughest Coaver Open to date. Despite this, 5 local teams made it through to the Cup event, Torexe Hurricanes, Torexe Breezers, Wanderers, Wonford Betablockers, and Exeter University 3. But strongly fancied Exeter University 1 were just edged out into the Plate event by the narrowest of margins possible, having finished second in their pool to Marjons Graduates.

As well as Graduates, Plymouth Scorpions and Wimbledon 2 also made it into the Cup.

With some excellent volleyball played throughout the day it was perhaps no surprise to see Graduates and Scorpions make the final, despite a hard fight from Breezers.

The final saw strong attacking and defensive play from both teams, with the match swinging back and forth. In the end it was Graduates who had the edge, winning 27-25 in the closing stages.

PLATE

In the plate Spartans old boys (thankfully re-united for one day only !) made it to the semi's taking out fellow Wanderers team mates Vikings in the qtr finals, only to go down to the ever strong Barry Bullfrogs from Newport. In the other half of the draw Lipson Men beat Torexe Tornadoes in the qtr's to earn a semi final place against Exeter University 1. Uni made it to the semi's following a qtr final win over Bristol Kamikazees.

University beat Lipson to reach the final, and went on to beat Barry 21-20. Commiseration's to Barry who did tremendously well despite losing their star setter to injury earlier in the day. The plate final was every bit as good as the cup final, a sign of the higher standard of play at this years Open.

Finally, spare a thought for the weakened Kings A teams and Wanderers Cool Runnings who both suffered as a result of being drawn in Pool 2 of the morning sessions – other Pool 2 teams included Cup winners Graduates, Plate winners Exeter University and Plate runners up Barry Bullfrogs !

JUNIORS

20 teams competed for the Coaver Club sponsored Junior Open in U15's and U12's categories.

In the Under 12's it was King Alfreds 1 and 2 who topped their respective groups, with Kings 2 and Priory 1 runners up. King Alfreds 1 and Kings 2 made it into the Under 12's final with King Alfreds winning what was an enjoyable and well-contested match.

King Alfreds (Burnham-on-sea) also enjoyed success in the Under 15's with King Alfreds 5 winning their group to earn a semi final place against Kings 1 (Ottery). Priory 2 (Bristol) won the other group to book a semi final place against President Kennedy 1 (Leicester).

King Alfreds 5 and Priory 2 made it to the final, with Priory taking the title in what was an exciting and enjoyable spectacle with fine volleyball skills on show from both teams. King Alfreds put in a good performance but Priory kept up the pressure to take the title.

President Kennedy 1 took third place with Kings 1 4^th overall.

 

For 2001 Pickies click here