Phoenix and Chelmsford clinch Shield Prelims five setters

The most conclusive of victories came on Saturday as Deep Dish Crystal Palace proved too strong for Future Stars, running out straight sets victors. 

They were pushed hard in the first before taking it 28-26, which paved the way for more comfortable set scores of 25-21, 25-22 thereafter.

The season had officially got underway a few hours earlier when Portsmouth Phoenix went head to head with London Bears, in what proved t be a see-saw affair. 

Twice the hosts secured a set lead, but twice the Londoners hit back before the South Coast club eventually sealed the match on the decisive tie break (26-24, 17-25, 25-21, 20-25, 15-12). 

Sunday’s other Prelims match was no less exciting and entertaining, with Chelmsford going all the way against South Hants before coming out on top at Boswells School. 

The visitors took an extended first set and also led 2-1, but a determined home side would not be beaten and triumphed 27-29, 25-16, 19-25, 25-8, 15-10. 

The victorious teams will now go forward to the Last 64 matches, to be played on Saturday 27th September, while the women’s Last 64 ties will follow on Sunday 28th September. 

Find out more about the National Cup and Shield by clicking here.