Volleyball
5 November, 2024
Nuggets cause upset of the season
The first piece of the grand final’s jigsaw puzzle has fallen into place with seven teams confirmed as starters in Volleyball Horsham’s winter season finale.
With finals bringing out the best in participants, Hellenic Nuggets caused the upset of the season in the A grade second semi-final, defeating Phantoms in an epic five-setter.
Trailing two sets to one and 22-23 in the fourth set, it looked as if Phantoms would take the direct route to the big one, but whatever was said in that time out worked as Hellenic Nuggets scored the next three points on Loucas Vettos’ serve to tie the final up at two sets all.
Nuggets got the jump on Phantoms in the decider, turning at the change leading 8-3, but Phantoms, with firstly John Tavaovale winning points on serve, followed by Haidyn Young saw Phantoms take the lead.
Teams went point for point from 11-11 until 15-15 when a disputed net touch cost Phantoms the match, then a rotation call and a stray pass saw Nuggets book their spot in the final.
Phantoms will look to bounce back when they take on Heidelberg in the preliminary final.
In A Reserve Heidelberg proved too strong for Kaos and booked their spot in the grand final.
James Davidson and David Johns were effective on serve and in attack for Heidelberg, while Charles Hassall and Jiedan Young tried hard for Kaos.
In B grade, another comprehensive performance from CHS Group saw them account for The Internationals in straight sets.
Superbly led by Homers cricket legends in Chaminda Gamage and Chris Hopper, CHS Group reduced The Internationals to their worst performance of the season, and they willnow have to regroup against the youngsters from Lutheran College if they are to progress.
In C grade, a roller coaster performance by Hurricanes saw them at first look too good for Murtoa Railway, when they bounced out of the blocks to take the first two sets.
But not to be denied, Janine Eagle’s team fought back hard to take the next two sets, and it looked how far the Murtoa team. But the youngsters from HTLC regrouped and won the decider to progress to the grand final.
The women’s A semi-final saw Phantoms all over Ballbusters in a lopsided final, with experienced players Cleo Baker and Kara Johnson combining well.
Alysha Cozens and Larree Smith tried everything to keep their team in the match to no avail, and they will now put that result behind them as they face off against the Lakers in the preliminary final.
The women’s B semi-finals were both thrilling five-setters. In an all HTLC second semi, the Ladybugs prevailed against the Thorns to progress, while the youngsters from Horsham College Glam Slammers ended the season of the Von Steiger Sisters.
A thrilling preliminary final awaits HTLC Thorns and Glam Slammers.
The junior semi-finals went as expected, with Stars Blue too strong for Strikers while Phantoms proved likewise against HTLC Tigers, setting up a Horsham College versus Lutheran College preliminary final.
Volleyball Horsham is looking forward to showcasing our sport next week with grand finals set down for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night, during This Girl Can week.
While we take a breath on Thursday night to put the finishing touches on our annual tournament, Friday will see Harry’s Match VI be held with the Good Ol’ Boys taking on the Volleyball Horsham All-Stars from 8pm at the basketball stadium.
The curtain raiser this year will be an all South Australian versus Victorian affair, with the Central Adelaide Volleyball Club junior boys and girls, playing in their first Horsham Tournament, doing battle against Volleyball Horsham’s under 17 junior boys and girls from 6pm.
We encourage everyone to come down to the stadium on the Friday night and support the teams, but especially make a donation to Beyond Blue as we shine a light on men’s mental health.