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Photos: Jack Western
Following a fantastic women’s 1sts triumph earlier today, York men suffered a somewhat unfortunate straight-set loss as they entertained a Huddersfield outfit fresh off the back of a storming victory over local rivals Leeds last week. It was a nightmare-ish result on Halloween for the hosts but their collective spirit and togetherness really shone through.
York fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat at Hull seven days ago while Huddersfield demolished Leeds 3-0. And the visiting side’s momentum was still evident as they took the first set 25-14 without difficulty.
York’s evident positive mentality saw them admirably claw their way back into the contest but were unable to perform at the final hurdle, with Huddersfield claiming the second set 26-24. Again, the third set proved even more unfortunate with a good display not enough to prevent a 25-21 defeat.
Both sides took a while to play some decent volleyball and the first set was toing and froing, with Huddersfield occasionally profiting from lazy serves into the net. The away side emerged victors pretty quickly, as no lengthy rallies were on display.
The second set was a genuine advert for BUCS volleyball and the towering 6-foot 7-inch figure of Mark Woodward proved to be real attacking threat. The lanky Peter Crouch-like sportsman finished a number of splendid York moves with aplomb, smashing the ball over the net giving the opposition no chance. He then turned motivator, kick-starting a Mexican Wave of high-fives amongst the gathering spectators.
Woodward’s opposite number, Patrick Krajci, was terrific throughout the contest for Huddersfield and was ever-present in the set. An observer may have assumed his height advantage would be utilised most but instead he was employed to serve and provide, a role in which he strived; creating openings and opportunities which his teammates finished off.
The set began with York overturning a 0-1 deficit after a gentle prod at the net from Huddersfield’s number 9. York captain Panos Nearchou hit a quality serve and with the crowd cheering after every home point, the collectiveness and spirit was shining through. Chris Stent, who had an excellent afternoon for York, suffered a rare blip as he let Krajci’s smash squeeze through his hands, putting the away side ahead by 16 points to 13.
But York suddenly found their feet – and their hands – and were boosted when a speculative drive hit the first referee on the far side, deflecting out of play. Straightening her glasses, she awarded the point York’s way and plenty more followed. The set ebbed and flowed and at 24-21 down it looked to be going Huddersfield’s way, though four points in quick succession brought York level and another saw them ahead. It needed just one more for York to claim this second set and just when tensions were at a peak, the ball itself went missing.
And great entertainment followed as spectators tried their skills on court using tennis balls while the search continued. That break disappointingly took the sting out of York’s mini floury of points and they soon crashed out of the set, losing the next two points.
But it didn’t damage the home following’s spirit and their cries of “Let’s go York, Let’s go!” echoed around the tent – even the Huddersfield players found themselves tapping their feet to the beat. It was a Roses-esque occasion and the club should be commended – everyone enjoyed the afternoon and the people involved were thoroughly enthusiastic; from team captain Panos Nearchou to the publicity officer Ian Lui.
The third set went the same way as the others – with York’s points more attractive and communication evident, Huddersfield emerged victorious thanks to a few classy serves. The home side often deliberately left the ball when it dropped, and as fantastic as the judgement looks when the ball marginally drops out, all too often it landed on the line and the points went Huddersfield’s way.
Chris Stent’s kneepads were being used more than his shoes as the York man was diving about all over the court defending Huddersfield’s shots. His frustration was evident when his hard work sometimes counted for nothing as teammates hit the ball out – but he delighted the immersed crowed when his efforts paid off.
Before the visitors won the set, bringing the final score to 0-3, more sportsman-like behaviour shone through. The referee clearly called a point the wrong way, but on Panos Nearchou’s instructions, the players got on with the game and showed respect to the officials – something which other sports should certainly look to adopt.
And after a team photo to round off the togetherness, captain Nearchou told Vision: “We didn’t know how strong the Huddersfield team was going to be today. It’s our first season in this division for a while and we’re still learning the ropes. But I was delighted with the performance, we certainly deserved at least a set and it will be a real test of character when we face Sheffield next week – a game we’re looking to win.”