Drifters off to flyer in volleyball
LHD Drifters got off to a good start in Shetland Islands Volleyball Association’s new men’s league with a straight sets win over Harry’s Hotspurs while Sandwick narrowly overcame DITT Globetrotters.
Mens League
LHD Drifters 3, Harry’s Hotspurs 0
(25-18, 25-20, 25-13)
Neither team showed a clear advantage in the first set. A much-improved Hotspurs team played well together with good positioning and communication on court.
Excellent movement from the more experienced Drifters made for good back court reception and setting, although some off target hitting and good all round blocking from Hotspurs prevented the Drifters from establishing any sizeable lead.
Good hitting and blocking from Hotspurs’ Connel Gresham throughout the set but some scrappy play from Hotspurs at the end allowed the Drifters to win 25-18.
Hotspurs started the second set well, taking an early lead, but the Drifters quickly recovered with some good structured play.
By not using their three touches Hotspurs missed out on the hitting opportunities necessary to get past the Drifters back-court cover. Good mid-court volleys from Kevin Moar helped keep Hotspurs in the game. A substitution at 13-13 from the Drifters brought Brydon Leask back in the game setting up for some fine middle hitting from Andrew Crossan. Hotspurs battled well but the Drifters won the set 25-20. The Drifters came on court confident and relaxed in the third set with excellent accurate hitting from Michael Boxwell. Hotspurs blocked well but again not using their three shots prevented any hard hitting attacking play. Good on-court coaching from Kevin Moar brought back the good controlled play of the first set but Drifters eventually won the set 25-13 and the match 3-0.
MVP for LHD Drifters was Michael Boxwell while for Harry’s Hotspurs it was Connel Gresham.
DITT Globetrotters 2, Sandwick 3
This was a very entertaining match but unfortunately no match report was received from Harry’s Hotspurs, resulting in the team being docked one league point by SIVA.
Fixtures
Friday, 25th September at Clickimin Centre – women’s league: Sandwick v Bench Warmers at 7pm; JBT v Hoodies at 9pm.
For more information on Shetland volleyball including league tables and season fixtures, visit www.shetlandvolleyball.com
