The Big Show Down! - oh and Semi-Final Day.

The score in Volleyball youngsters v oldies was two all leading into today's deciding match. The matches are three games first to 11 points and two points clear. Excitement had been building all morning to the big match. With a full stadium (the management, with cameras!) the atmosphere was electric.

The Oldies dealt the first blow to the youngsters by turning up all in the same kit (red vests, white socks pulled to knees and sweatbands [wrist protectors!]) I think that gave us the psychological edge and they were on the back foot from the first serve. The Oldies took an early lead but the youngsters made the miraculous recovery to win the first game. Oldies composed under the pressure came back to win the second game.

So all resting on the last game the title of Volleyball Queens, an aggressive start from the youngsters and some good play by both teams saw quite a tight match. There were a few tough but good calls by the ref - Helen Richardson who dealt with the pressure of back chat and kept the game clean. The Oldies took the last four points of the match relatively easily as the youngsters lacked the experience of cracking under the immense pressure that rested on them. Their tall blockers weren't on the form of the previous game and we took advantage.

The photo shows the point at which the match was won you can see the anguish on their faces as they realise they have succumbed to the Older more wiser team members. What a feeling for us - we are not past it yet!!!! Will take them a little longer to nab our positions in the team! So victorious we walked from the pitch leaving the youngsters to return the net.

And onto the more important match - the Semi-Final v USA. I can't wait for the game this evening. Should be very physical so I'm mentally preparing and sharpening my elbows for a rough tough match.

Don't forget to check back later for the result.
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