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Photos: Jack Western and Oona Vernermo
York men’s 2nds volleyball side succumbed to a resounding three set to nil defeat against table-topping Northumbria 2nds this afternoon, as Northumbria secured a straight set victory to extend their advantage at the top of Northern Division 3B. The scoreline 25-6, 25-8, 25-7 reflected the nature of the game, which in truth was incredibly one-sided throughout.
York have enjoyed an encouraging season, winning three of their previous four games, and the side should not be too disheartened by today’s defeat. Indeed the final result was somewhat predictable, as Northumbria appear a class apart in this division.
York’s opponents have now won five games out of five in the league, not losing a single set in the process. To add to that success, they’ve already defeated York 1sts in the cup, by three sets to one, the only set they have dropped all year.
It didn’t take long for Northumbria to assert their dominance in the contest, as they quickly raced into a 10-1 lead. Simple errors were costing York, whilst the superior attacking play of Northumbria was evident for all to see. Thomas Arvanitidis pulled a point back for York with a well placed tip, but Northumbria were still in complete control.
Giannis Kaloupaklis made some excellent shots at the net, but Northumbria’s clinical shots were too much for York to handle. The lead gradually extended, and a one-sided first set saw York fall to a 25-6 defeat.
A lack of communication was hindering York, as simple errors prevented York from establishing themselves in the contest. To be fair though the constant pressure that Northumbria were applying can be accounted for as a key factor in York’s demise. York however started the second set positively and were more competitive, restricting Northumbria to a three point lead.
However Northumbria soon found their stride, and accelerated into a 15-4 lead, before York called for a timeout to try and break up the momentum. The effect was minimal and Northumbria soon rounded off the second set 25-8, despite some long rallies in which Archer Ho and Ioan Polenciuc impressed.
York won the first point of the third set, but that was the only time they led, as Northumbria quickly continued their dominance. Despite York’s best efforts, Northumbria were turning out victorious in the long rallies, and moved into a 12-3 lead.
The contest did not last much longer, and despite some encouraging moments, York soon succumbed to a 25-7 defeat in the third set, and a humbling three set to nil defeat. There were positives however to take out of the clash, and the experience should benefit York in the long run.
York Captain Jack Munayer commented: “The defeat was expected as this side beat our first team, but i think it was a good experience for us to play against someone of their level and there are some positives to take. We’re quite happy with the position we’re in now and have the potential to reach second place.”
Asked on his aims for the rest of the season, he responded: “To really polish on some of the basics, the ABC of volleyball.”
York team: Archer Ho, Ian Lau, Pascal Dubois, Thomas Arvanitidis, Sergei Petunov, Ioan Polenciuc, Giannis Kaloupaklis, Erick Eidy, Jack Munayer