Match Reports 2015-16
Saturday 31st October 2015 - NVL Ladies Div 2
Newcastle Staffs 2 – 3 Leeds VC (25-20, 25-16, 21-25, 23-25, 14-16)
“Five set, five match streak”
Little surprise that Leeds were again engaged in a five set match, on this occasion in an away fixture against Newcastle Staffs, where they waited until the last possible moment to snatch victory.
The first set saw some long rallies as Staff edged out in front from a balanced position at 18-17, and build momentum that they carried through to the second set. With errors mounting from Leeds, and the Staffs team serving strongly the gap widened with Staffs relatively easily taking the second set.
Leeds had a bit of a word with themselves after the second set, and blustered in to an unsurmountable 11-1 lead at the start of the third set with power serving from Breaks and Hills giving the impetus required to pull a set back.
The fourth set was balanced with good play from both sides and a greater variety of attacking through middle and opposite. Leeds delivered during the business end of the set, and shaded it 23-25.
The fifth set saw Staffs draw out a lead to 5-2, but Leeds fought back to change ends 8-7 up. The lead changed hands four or five times before at 14-14 Leeds drew on all their recent experience of “squeaky bum time”, and clinched the two most important points of the game, winning 14-16.
MVP – Nicola Breaks. CMVP – Ashton Hills
Leeds have applied to the EVA to start all future matches at two sets all, as they believe the first four sets are superfluous to their match results
Newcastle Staffs 2 – 3 Leeds VC (25-20, 25-16, 21-25, 23-25, 14-16)
“Five set, five match streak”
Little surprise that Leeds were again engaged in a five set match, on this occasion in an away fixture against Newcastle Staffs, where they waited until the last possible moment to snatch victory.
The first set saw some long rallies as Staff edged out in front from a balanced position at 18-17, and build momentum that they carried through to the second set. With errors mounting from Leeds, and the Staffs team serving strongly the gap widened with Staffs relatively easily taking the second set.
Leeds had a bit of a word with themselves after the second set, and blustered in to an unsurmountable 11-1 lead at the start of the third set with power serving from Breaks and Hills giving the impetus required to pull a set back.
The fourth set was balanced with good play from both sides and a greater variety of attacking through middle and opposite. Leeds delivered during the business end of the set, and shaded it 23-25.
The fifth set saw Staffs draw out a lead to 5-2, but Leeds fought back to change ends 8-7 up. The lead changed hands four or five times before at 14-14 Leeds drew on all their recent experience of “squeaky bum time”, and clinched the two most important points of the game, winning 14-16.
MVP – Nicola Breaks. CMVP – Ashton Hills
Leeds have applied to the EVA to start all future matches at two sets all, as they believe the first four sets are superfluous to their match results
Sunday 25th October 2015 - NVL Ladies Div 2
Darkstar Derbyshire 2 - 3 Leeds VC (24-26, 17-25, 25-16, 25-18, 13-15)
Leeds penchant for five set thrillers continued for the fourth consecutive match with an away victory over Darkstar. Commentators and spectators alike are not sure how much more of this they can take, "why can't they just play a match that lasts less than two hours?"
A depleted Leeds squad travelled to Derbyshire, and after a nervous start from both teams, Leeds bullied their way to a first set victory, with Kirkpatrick playing an unfamiliar role through the middle. Buoyed with confidence Leeds swept through Darkstar in the second set with a tsunami of kills from all quarters.
Having placed themselves in touching distance of the finish line, Leeds went to the pub for a couple sets, to allow Darkstar the opportunity to play in the now standardised fifth set decider.
Having chosen to turn up for the fifth set Leeds crashed in to a five point lead at the change 8-3, but not content with closing out the game, Darkstar were soon back in to it at 11-11. Breaks hit the angry button, and served aces to lead 11-14, and Darkstar ran out of score board.
MVP - Nicola Breaks. CMVP - Dominika Hasek
Darkstar Derbyshire 2 - 3 Leeds VC (24-26, 17-25, 25-16, 25-18, 13-15)
Leeds penchant for five set thrillers continued for the fourth consecutive match with an away victory over Darkstar. Commentators and spectators alike are not sure how much more of this they can take, "why can't they just play a match that lasts less than two hours?"
A depleted Leeds squad travelled to Derbyshire, and after a nervous start from both teams, Leeds bullied their way to a first set victory, with Kirkpatrick playing an unfamiliar role through the middle. Buoyed with confidence Leeds swept through Darkstar in the second set with a tsunami of kills from all quarters.
Having placed themselves in touching distance of the finish line, Leeds went to the pub for a couple sets, to allow Darkstar the opportunity to play in the now standardised fifth set decider.
Having chosen to turn up for the fifth set Leeds crashed in to a five point lead at the change 8-3, but not content with closing out the game, Darkstar were soon back in to it at 11-11. Breaks hit the angry button, and served aces to lead 11-14, and Darkstar ran out of score board.
MVP - Nicola Breaks. CMVP - Dominika Hasek
Sunday 25th October 2015 - Men's Super 8
Leeds 2 - 3 Wessex (27-25, 25-19, 17-25, 23-25, 17-19)
Wessex make it a double win weekend beating Sheffield on Sat. 3-1, then snatching the longest game (2hr 15) Leeds have ever played!
Leeds started well but errors in setting and passing put them in catch up throughout the set. Coach Speers tried a double switch substitution with Lamb for Rutikanga & Meszczynski for DiFederico in an effort to keep attacking pressure on the Wessex block. This had limited success as the main area for concern was defence. At 19-21 down Coach Speers switched Basha for Kammer to increase the service pressure on Wessex attack and add to the Leeds defence. This change worked and coupled with a service ace from Adil, Leeds stole the set 27-25.
Riding on their advantage, Leeds took the 2nd set with ease as Wessex crumbled under heavy attacks from Kammer, Herczeg & Basha. 25-19. Wessex used all their experience to bear onto Leeds in the 3rd set making successful power attacks through the middle and wiping off the Leeds block on the wings. Leeds hung on but at 16-17 lost confidence again making setting and passing errors. Coach Speers tried again to switch the lineup substituting his setter Lamb for opposite Rutikanga & DiFederico for Basha. Then taking two last attempts time outs, failed to stop the Wessex attack, going down 17-25.
This set win boosted Wessex who came out fighting,gaining confidence in attacking the Leeds block. Leeds tried to respond but again found themselves in catch up throughout. As the set progressed the cracks started to appear in the Leeds defence, coupled with offensive errors Leeds found themselves in a 5th set!
Leeds started well changing ends 8-4 up. Then concentration slipped and some unforced errors gave Wessex the chance to get back. Leeds failed to attack at match point and Wessex took the advantage and match. 19-17.
MVP - Lamb. CMOTM - Basha.
Leeds 2 - 3 Wessex (27-25, 25-19, 17-25, 23-25, 17-19)
Wessex make it a double win weekend beating Sheffield on Sat. 3-1, then snatching the longest game (2hr 15) Leeds have ever played!
Leeds started well but errors in setting and passing put them in catch up throughout the set. Coach Speers tried a double switch substitution with Lamb for Rutikanga & Meszczynski for DiFederico in an effort to keep attacking pressure on the Wessex block. This had limited success as the main area for concern was defence. At 19-21 down Coach Speers switched Basha for Kammer to increase the service pressure on Wessex attack and add to the Leeds defence. This change worked and coupled with a service ace from Adil, Leeds stole the set 27-25.
Riding on their advantage, Leeds took the 2nd set with ease as Wessex crumbled under heavy attacks from Kammer, Herczeg & Basha. 25-19. Wessex used all their experience to bear onto Leeds in the 3rd set making successful power attacks through the middle and wiping off the Leeds block on the wings. Leeds hung on but at 16-17 lost confidence again making setting and passing errors. Coach Speers tried again to switch the lineup substituting his setter Lamb for opposite Rutikanga & DiFederico for Basha. Then taking two last attempts time outs, failed to stop the Wessex attack, going down 17-25.
This set win boosted Wessex who came out fighting,gaining confidence in attacking the Leeds block. Leeds tried to respond but again found themselves in catch up throughout. As the set progressed the cracks started to appear in the Leeds defence, coupled with offensive errors Leeds found themselves in a 5th set!
Leeds started well changing ends 8-4 up. Then concentration slipped and some unforced errors gave Wessex the chance to get back. Leeds failed to attack at match point and Wessex took the advantage and match. 19-17.
MVP - Lamb. CMOTM - Basha.
Saturday 24th October 2015 - NVL Ladies Div 2
Leeds 2 - 3 Newcastle Staffs (25-20, 17-25, 22-25, 25-14, 12-15)
Leeds continue to dominate the league in sets played with another five set thriller, as they narrowly missed out at home to Newcastle Staffs.
Powerful serving and attacking saw Leeds through the first set, however Staffs found their stride in the second set as Leeds struggled to maintain consistent rhythm in their first pass, with Staffs picking out the edges of the court.
The third set was relatively turgid, Staff slowly put a strangle hold on the game, ending with a mishap at the net, when players clashed in the air. The game momentum swung in Leeds favour and they breezed through the fourth set, but complacency crept in, and Staffs capitalised by assuming an unassailable lead to win the final set.
MVP - Kerry Kirkpatrick. CMVP - Nicola Breaks
Leeds 2 - 3 Newcastle Staffs (25-20, 17-25, 22-25, 25-14, 12-15)
Leeds continue to dominate the league in sets played with another five set thriller, as they narrowly missed out at home to Newcastle Staffs.
Powerful serving and attacking saw Leeds through the first set, however Staffs found their stride in the second set as Leeds struggled to maintain consistent rhythm in their first pass, with Staffs picking out the edges of the court.
The third set was relatively turgid, Staff slowly put a strangle hold on the game, ending with a mishap at the net, when players clashed in the air. The game momentum swung in Leeds favour and they breezed through the fourth set, but complacency crept in, and Staffs capitalised by assuming an unassailable lead to win the final set.
MVP - Kerry Kirkpatrick. CMVP - Nicola Breaks
Sunday 18th October 2015 - Ladies NVL Div 2North
Leeds VC 2 – 3 Manchester Marvels (22-25, 25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 5-15)
Playing in only their third match together as a team, Leeds hosted last year’s early league leaders Manchester Marvels. Manchester narrowly missed promotion in last season’s play-offs, and they retained a strong work ethic and togetherness from the start. Leeds were several points behind early in the first set, and although Leeds regained momentum it was too late to affect the outcome of the first set.
Consistent game plan execution and fantastic serving in sets two and three helped Leeds to forcefully convert balanced situations in their favour, and put Leeds in a strong position at the start of the fourth set.
Unfortunately, a little complacency coupled with powerful attacking from Manchester saw Leeds fall several points behind at the beginning of both the fourth and fifth sets, and too few points remained for Leeds to pull themselves back in to the match.
Plenty of improvement and experience was gained by the young Leeds team.
MVP – A Hills. CMVP – D Dzulova
Leeds VC 2 – 3 Manchester Marvels (22-25, 25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 5-15)
Playing in only their third match together as a team, Leeds hosted last year’s early league leaders Manchester Marvels. Manchester narrowly missed promotion in last season’s play-offs, and they retained a strong work ethic and togetherness from the start. Leeds were several points behind early in the first set, and although Leeds regained momentum it was too late to affect the outcome of the first set.
Consistent game plan execution and fantastic serving in sets two and three helped Leeds to forcefully convert balanced situations in their favour, and put Leeds in a strong position at the start of the fourth set.
Unfortunately, a little complacency coupled with powerful attacking from Manchester saw Leeds fall several points behind at the beginning of both the fourth and fifth sets, and too few points remained for Leeds to pull themselves back in to the match.
Plenty of improvement and experience was gained by the young Leeds team.
MVP – A Hills. CMVP – D Dzulova
Saturday 17th October 2015 - Men's Super 8
Leeds VC 0 - 3 Team Northumbria (19-25, 19-25, 19-25)
With a near full squad, Leeds started brightly taking the game to Northumbria. Strong service and athletic defence by Northumbria took them into a early 5 point lead. Leeds Coach Speers tried to mix up his offence introducing Kammer and Capt DiFederico as substitutes for Lamb and Rutikanga. Leeds fought back reducing the deficit to 12-14. Service and defensive errors lost Leeds the 1st set to 19.
In a bid to strengthen the Leeds defence Coach Speers introduced Basha and DiFederico for the start of the 2nd set, replacing Rutikanga in the opposite position and setter Lamb. Northumbria quickly forced Leeds into attack and blocking errors and at 3-9 down Coach Speers knew that this set was lost.
The 3rd set went in a similar fashion and Northumbria's consistency and experience at closing down their opponents options took them into a 24-14 match point lead. Leeds finally showed a glimpse of their potential and with strong service from Sibanda coupled with power attacks from Meszczynski and Herczeg forced Northumbria into a time out at 24-19. This was the longest run of points for Leeds who managed to take some positives from the defeat.
MVP - Herczeg. CMOTM - Sibanda
Leeds VC 0 - 3 Team Northumbria (19-25, 19-25, 19-25)
With a near full squad, Leeds started brightly taking the game to Northumbria. Strong service and athletic defence by Northumbria took them into a early 5 point lead. Leeds Coach Speers tried to mix up his offence introducing Kammer and Capt DiFederico as substitutes for Lamb and Rutikanga. Leeds fought back reducing the deficit to 12-14. Service and defensive errors lost Leeds the 1st set to 19.
In a bid to strengthen the Leeds defence Coach Speers introduced Basha and DiFederico for the start of the 2nd set, replacing Rutikanga in the opposite position and setter Lamb. Northumbria quickly forced Leeds into attack and blocking errors and at 3-9 down Coach Speers knew that this set was lost.
The 3rd set went in a similar fashion and Northumbria's consistency and experience at closing down their opponents options took them into a 24-14 match point lead. Leeds finally showed a glimpse of their potential and with strong service from Sibanda coupled with power attacks from Meszczynski and Herczeg forced Northumbria into a time out at 24-19. This was the longest run of points for Leeds who managed to take some positives from the defeat.
MVP - Herczeg. CMOTM - Sibanda
Saturday 10th October 2015
NVL Men's KO Cup Round 2
Leeds 3 Intervolley Manchester 1 (25-18, 25-18, 23-25, 25-15)
Leeds' first home game of the 2015-16 season started with a 3-1 victory over potential Div 3 North winners Intervolley Manchester.
Leeds started well taking an early lead from some powerful jump serving from Herczeg. Intervolley could find no answer with Leeds taking the set 25-18. Coach Speers used the 2nd set to experiment with his line up using Mohammad in the opposite position. With Captain Danio tentatively trying out his recovery from last weekend's injured finger, and longer term groin strain, Leeds didn't get things their own way, trailing 7-8. Mohammad was the first to show his serving consistency adding two runs of 4 points for Leeds. Strong blocking and middle attacking from Sibanda took Leeds to a 25-18 second set.
Coach Speers, using his team's two set lead, took the opportunity to introduce new signing Woodward into the attack. However he made the classic error of substituting his players too early, (thinking that he had the game won) which broke down his team's momentum. Intervolley took the initiative attacking the Leeds subs, forcing errors and at 23-23 found themselves in control of the set. Coach Speers tried to disrupt Manchester's flow calling 2 time outs and 2 substitutions in the last 2 points, but failed to get his team playing. Losing 23-25.
The set loss was enough to fire up Leeds and through strong blocking from Cave & Sibanda coupled with power attacking from Meszczynski, Mohammad & Herczeg saw Intervolley crumble 25-15.
CMOTM - Herczeg.
NVL Men's KO Cup Round 2
Leeds 3 Intervolley Manchester 1 (25-18, 25-18, 23-25, 25-15)
Leeds' first home game of the 2015-16 season started with a 3-1 victory over potential Div 3 North winners Intervolley Manchester.
Leeds started well taking an early lead from some powerful jump serving from Herczeg. Intervolley could find no answer with Leeds taking the set 25-18. Coach Speers used the 2nd set to experiment with his line up using Mohammad in the opposite position. With Captain Danio tentatively trying out his recovery from last weekend's injured finger, and longer term groin strain, Leeds didn't get things their own way, trailing 7-8. Mohammad was the first to show his serving consistency adding two runs of 4 points for Leeds. Strong blocking and middle attacking from Sibanda took Leeds to a 25-18 second set.
Coach Speers, using his team's two set lead, took the opportunity to introduce new signing Woodward into the attack. However he made the classic error of substituting his players too early, (thinking that he had the game won) which broke down his team's momentum. Intervolley took the initiative attacking the Leeds subs, forcing errors and at 23-23 found themselves in control of the set. Coach Speers tried to disrupt Manchester's flow calling 2 time outs and 2 substitutions in the last 2 points, but failed to get his team playing. Losing 23-25.
The set loss was enough to fire up Leeds and through strong blocking from Cave & Sibanda coupled with power attacking from Meszczynski, Mohammad & Herczeg saw Intervolley crumble 25-15.
CMOTM - Herczeg.
Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October 2015
"Dream start for Leeds VC Men's Super 8 team"
Leeds Men's 1st team got off to a flying start in their first Super 8 game beating 6th place Malory Eagles 3-2. Leeds lost the 1st set 18-25 through inconsistent passing and too many unforced errors in blocking. In the 2nd set Coach Speers, at 7-2 down, trying to bring more consistency into the attack, made a double substitution bringing on Capt. DiFederico for Rutikanga and new signing Mohammad for their new setter Lamb. The change worked and saw Leeds take a slender lead 14-13. During this fight back DiFederico sustained a blood injury and was forced to leave the court for treatment. Coach Speers opted to switch setters and use Mohammed as the main setter with Rutikanga attacking opposite. This worked to set point 24-21. Malory's service and attack combined well bringing them back to 23-24 when Speers replaced Mohammad with main setter Lamb. The set went point for point till Leeds finally took it 28-26.
Malory hit back hard taking the 3rd set 25-18. Set 4 saw both teams battling for points. Leeds new signing Meszczynski who replaced Kammer served tough taking Leeds into a 21-17 lead. Mohammad serving out the set 25-20.
In the 5th set Leeds strong serve, coupled with power hitting from Herczeg, Meszczynski & Mohammad took Leeds into an early lead changing ends at 8-3. Accurate service from Herczeg increased it to 11-4. Leeds finished the match 15-10.
MVP - Herczeg. CMOTM - Mohammad.
With 2 points from their first game, Leeds faced potentially tougher opponents London Docklands who finished 4th last season. Boasting two current GB players O'Malley and Pink, plus a win from their previous day's match, Docklands set Leeds a formidable challenge. Leeds' Capt. DiFederico was unable to play due to the deep cut in his finger, which left new setter Lamb in charge of the Leeds attack. Leeds were also without the previous day's game changer Mohammad. Though the match went 3-0 to Docklands, Leeds relinquished a 23-22 lead in the 1st set losing 25-27. Docklands used all their experience taking the next 2 sets 25-22 and 25-18 through strong defence and accurate hitting. Coach Speers, though disappointed with his teams blocking and defensive performance, gave praise to his team's attacking power. "Docklands could not match our hitters. We know that we will get stronger as a team."
MVP - Herczeg. CMOTM - Meszczynski.
"Dream start for Leeds VC Men's Super 8 team"
Leeds Men's 1st team got off to a flying start in their first Super 8 game beating 6th place Malory Eagles 3-2. Leeds lost the 1st set 18-25 through inconsistent passing and too many unforced errors in blocking. In the 2nd set Coach Speers, at 7-2 down, trying to bring more consistency into the attack, made a double substitution bringing on Capt. DiFederico for Rutikanga and new signing Mohammad for their new setter Lamb. The change worked and saw Leeds take a slender lead 14-13. During this fight back DiFederico sustained a blood injury and was forced to leave the court for treatment. Coach Speers opted to switch setters and use Mohammed as the main setter with Rutikanga attacking opposite. This worked to set point 24-21. Malory's service and attack combined well bringing them back to 23-24 when Speers replaced Mohammad with main setter Lamb. The set went point for point till Leeds finally took it 28-26.
Malory hit back hard taking the 3rd set 25-18. Set 4 saw both teams battling for points. Leeds new signing Meszczynski who replaced Kammer served tough taking Leeds into a 21-17 lead. Mohammad serving out the set 25-20.
In the 5th set Leeds strong serve, coupled with power hitting from Herczeg, Meszczynski & Mohammad took Leeds into an early lead changing ends at 8-3. Accurate service from Herczeg increased it to 11-4. Leeds finished the match 15-10.
MVP - Herczeg. CMOTM - Mohammad.
With 2 points from their first game, Leeds faced potentially tougher opponents London Docklands who finished 4th last season. Boasting two current GB players O'Malley and Pink, plus a win from their previous day's match, Docklands set Leeds a formidable challenge. Leeds' Capt. DiFederico was unable to play due to the deep cut in his finger, which left new setter Lamb in charge of the Leeds attack. Leeds were also without the previous day's game changer Mohammad. Though the match went 3-0 to Docklands, Leeds relinquished a 23-22 lead in the 1st set losing 25-27. Docklands used all their experience taking the next 2 sets 25-22 and 25-18 through strong defence and accurate hitting. Coach Speers, though disappointed with his teams blocking and defensive performance, gave praise to his team's attacking power. "Docklands could not match our hitters. We know that we will get stronger as a team."
MVP - Herczeg. CMOTM - Meszczynski.
