/ Author: SPF

In the latest round of matches in mixed division 2, SPF Private Clients took victory against DHS Diggers and KPMG Komodos, both talented young sides.

Match reports from both games are below:

Match 1 – DHS Diggers

League: Mixed 2
Date: 26th April 2021
Score: SPF win in 2 (Best of 3 sets), 27-25, 25-19

DHS Diggers are a new team to the league, and with a lot of potential. They proved this by starting strongly with a service run from captain, Ben Duddy. Coming from a badminton background DHS scrapped for every point in the first set with strong showings from Isaac Langlois and Lilianna Goncalves. SPF’s Heather Ewert and Kirsten Haggart, in their third season of mixed volleyball, covered the floor and hit well. Together with the dominating net presence of Matt Ashworth, SPF reeled in DHS. Ultimately a powerful service run from returning player Nick Brown sealed a tight first set for the reds.

The second set, while competitive, was not as close. Robbie Le Messurier came on and combined with setters Nat Gaudion and Hannah Guilbert for a number of points, also providing three blocks. DHS showed fortitude in the strong serving of Melissa Johns and great defence from the rapidly improving Jack Le Blancq. Ultimately the experience of SPF won out in this match. It is clear to anyone watching how much fun this team has playing together.

Match 2 – KPMG Komodos

League: Mixed 2
Date: 17th May 2021
Score: SPF win in 2 (Best of 3 sets), 25-15, 25-19

Following a loss to Mixed Division 2 leaders, Trinity Chambers LLP, the week before, SPF Private Clients were looking to cement their second place as they took on KPMG Komodos. With the absence of Natalie Gaudion, fan favourite player Nick Brown stepped in to set alongside Hannah Guilbert, court captain for the match.

Guilbert has worked to develop a strong float serve this season and set the tone early with a service run at the beginning of the first set. SPF came out on top of most rallies in the first set. Strong backcourt cover from Brown, Joe Baines and Heather Ewert meant SPF could score plenty of points in transition. Big middle hitter Matt Ashworth led the scoring, and provided an exciting spectacle going toe-to-toe with opposing blocker Tom Fyfe throughout the set. Tactical serving from Ewert scored the final points and SPF took the first set comfortably 25-15.

KPMG rallied in the second set, pushing SPF harder which ultimately resulted in scrappier play all around. SPF players celebrated outside hitter Kirsten Haggart putting down overpasses from KPMG twice in the second set for valuable points. Haggart also scored 6 points on serve in the second set which allowed SPF to pull clear. A mismatch at the net allowed KPMG’s Josh Bell to put down two thumping spikes set by Noah Weetman. Ultimately though it was too little, too late. SPF claimed the second set 25-19. With two games to go SPF look likely to take second place in Mixed 2.

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