Volleyball Centre of Excellence
After three five-set defeats in row Richmond Docklands finally won a final set in a battling performance against Newcastle Staffs. The squad of just seven players travelled to Keele University knowing that a win in under five sets would secure sixth place. So when Staffs stole the first two sets after Docklands had been in control, the visitors just had pride to play for.
Richmond’s Men’s NVL2 side hosted Oxford Students on Saturday, the only team to beat them so far this season. Revenge looked to be on the cards when Oxford turned up with only six players. But they put up a fight in set one, pushing Richmond all the way until the home side prevailed 28-26. Sets two and three were much more comfortable for Richmond (winning 16 and 14) with Ben Lucas and Jonathan Anderson starring in a dominant display, cheered on by a boisterous crowd and drumming.
For the third time this season Richmond Docklands went to five sets against old rivals Malory Eagles. And for the third time Malory came out on top.
Last weekend was a great one for our Junior section with both our girls and boys under 18 sides reaching the National Finals in April. They join our Under 16 girls who made it through earlier this month.
Leaving behind two consecutive defeats against leaders Oxford, Richmond team re-grouped and trained hard to be ready to face Reading Aces. Reading was one of the teams fighting for a promotion at the start of the season and although they noticeably slowed down after Christmas , that team still represented a danger for Richmond.
