Super League review (6th and 7th December) - Richmond made to work for points in five-setter double

Both of the five setters involved Richmond Docklands, who experienced mixed fortunes in their battle to pull themsevlves away from the bottom. 

First, on Saturday, they took on another side who have struggled so far in the shape of the Durham Palatinates and led 1-0 and trailed 2-1 in sets before setting up a nail-biting decider whichthey clinched by just two points (25-22, 23-25, 18-25, 25-21, 15-13). 

Abdi Shukri was named as MVP for Richmond thanks to his two aces, 18 kills (0.353 hitting percentage), one block, three assists from five attempts and 10 digs. 

Ben Montplaisir had a serve receive rating of 2.13 from 16 attempts, made 14 kills, had two blocks and four digs to be chosen as MVP for the Palatinates. 

Then, on Sunday, another side from the North East came calling – Newcastle Knights – but this time it was the visitors who edged the closest of contests. 

Sam Shenton’s side appeared to be in full control as they swept up the first two sets, but the Londoners came roaring back to set up the tie breaker. 

There, it was the Knights who found another gear when needed to run out victors (25-22, 25-20, 26-28, 28-30, 15-12), their fourth success in five league outings.  

Durham’s trip to the capital also saw them take on London Giants on Sunday, but they were unable to take a set this time, despite pushing their opponents hard. 

Mihail Stoev’s side were able to find the right answers in the key moments to emerge 25-18, 25-23, 26-24 victors and move onto the same points, 16, as leaders Malory Eagles. 

Giants’ Daniil Pyvovarenko was selected as MVP while libero Zac Tzou got the nod for the visitors. 

University of Nottingham are level on points with Newcastle, albeit having played two more matches, after they condemned battling Leeds Gorse to a seventh straight defeat. 

After the Green and Golds won the first set at a canter, they found things altogether tougher in the second and third sets before running out 25-12, 25-21, 26-24 winners. 

Kana’i Akana was MVP for Freddie Fairbairn’s side after 11 kills from 21 attempts for a hitting percentage of 0.476, while also completing two blocks and seven digs. 

He was ably supported by Rob Morgan’s 13 kills from 25 attempts (0.440 hitting percentage). 

Leeds’ Nelson Murangwa took his side’s MVP award with a serve receive rating of 2.44 from 18 attempts, a game-high 21 kills from 38 attempts (0.447), one block and seven digs. 

The final round of matches before the Christmas break starts tomorrow with an evening game between Durham Palatinates and Leeds Gorse men. 

It is the third of four games in eight days following their weekend exertions as they also visit the University of Nottingham on Saturday. 

On Sunday, Essex Rebels host Richmond Docklands, while the top two meet as London Giants take on Malory Eagles as part of Super League Live at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. Watch here. 

The MAAREE Women’s Super League fixture of that live production that can be watched on the Volleyball England YouTube Channel sees Lionhearts Vinarius go head to head with Team SideOut Polonia. Watch here. 

Also in action on Sunday are Essex Rebels, who welcome Darkstar Derbyshire 24 hours after the East Midlanders play Malory Eagles on Saturday.