First set.

Just before the first set went underway the lads highlighted the oppositions most dangerous players and set out clear tactics and instructions on how to challenge that. Stepping on to the court we were unsure of how Darkstar would play in the match itself, going in blind we started off very strong, some pressure and consistent serves. Early doors Jacob and Jake came together to pull off as the team would call it ‘a dirty C’ which set the tone for the match. The match was at 6-4 to HVC, up steps Liam to serve, with some pressure serves and consistent serving, along with some great hustling from the lads and big kills and blocks we found ourselves up 19-4, this was a great benchmark to start the league season off. With some class setting from Jacob with a few shoots set to Jake, Lewis and some middle hits with James, we closed the set 25-6. Overall consistent passing from our Libero Ashath and the team this was a nice comfortable set.

Second set.

The team was unchanged for the second set with the intention to see out the game and stop any sort of a comeback from darkstar. Early doors Jacob got our middles James and Marcin going, along with our outsides Lewis and Jake and our opposite Liam. Some beautiful kills that hit the floor, and some absolute outrageous roll shots from our outsides we were again in a comfortable position. Pressure serving from Lewis and Jake using their topspin serves caused Darkstar some receiving concerns. Towards the end of the set darkstar play a tip and along comes Liam with the most outrageous pancake I’ve ever seen to keep us in the point! This set we lost a few more points to hits in the net (cheers Lewis) and serving mistakes. We saw out the second set 25-15.

Third set.

Third set our captain for the night Jake, swapped our two middles which saw James and Marcin take a breather to welcome on Stent and Fraser. Along with Liam taking a well earned rest for Erick to come on for oppo. This set saw a few funny moments then a few moments of magic from our setter Jacob and middle Fraser. We started neck and neck with darkstar to begin with, losing points on errors and mistakes, but the team switched back on. A middle was set to Fraser to achieve a back wall hit for Darkstar to have a bit of a cheer about… however, they were totally unaware of what was about to come for the match point. A ball was passed onto the net, Jacob managed to swivel and set a delicious middle (everyone was speechless) for Fraser to bury the ball on the oppositions side of the court winning us the match!

Overall a very solid and impressive start to the season for Hermitage 1sts! Fingers crossed I (Lewis) don’t have to write another match report. To the next MVP please make sure you remember what happened in the game… so you don’t have to ask the rest of the team like I did.

Set 1 - 25-6

Set 2 - 25-15

Set 3 - 25-12