Super League Review (13th and 14th December) - Giants claim early festive gift

Having suffered their first defeat of the season, Malory will be hoping to regroup in the new year and renew their push for a top-place finish in the Dynamik Men’s Super League after a narrow 3–2 loss to Giants.

Giants started in dominant fashion, taking the opening set 25–12 and stunning the Eagles. Malory responded well in the second, reducing their error count and using their attacking power to claim the set 25–22. The visitors then threatened to silence the home crowd by edging the third set 25–21.

Giants hit back in the fourth, taking the tightest set of the match 25–23 to force a decider. Carrying that momentum into the fifth, Giants raced into an early lead and switched ends at 8–3. Although Malory fought back, it proved too little too late, with Giants closing out the set and the match 15–9.

Giants have now played one game more than the Eagles but have faced every team in the league, while Malory are yet to meet Richmond.

Richmond travelled to Colchester on Sunday to face Essex Rebels at the Essex Sport Arena, looking to carry confidence from a demanding previous weekend that saw them take on Durham and Newcastle Knights. Essex, refreshed after a short break and having learned lessons from their previous loss to Malory, produced a composed performance to edge Richmond in a match decided by just seven points overall.

Hassan Farhat led the way for Essex with 11 kills and one block, while also posting a 2.29 passing rating in a 25–22, 25–23, 25–23 victory. Richmond’s primary offensive threat Artemii Solodukhov, once again impressed, recording a game-high 13 kills from 27 swings.

Richmond middle Elias Watts, a recent guest on the Super League Time Out Podcast, earned MVP honours for the Docklands side with seven kills from 11 attempts (.636 hitting), adding a block and two digs. For Essex, captain and head coach Euan Fraser took MVP honours after contributing one ace, nine kills and two blocks.

Essex now sit level on points with Newcastle Knights, having played one game more, with the Knights occupying the final Final Four position heading into the Christmas break. Richmond are just one point behind Durham on seven points and sit five clear of the automatic relegation spot currently occupied by Leeds Gorse.

Durham concluded a hectic run of four matches in eight days with a 3–2 defeat to The University of Nottingham. It marked the third time this season the men in green and gold have been taken to five sets, keeping them third in the table. They will be looking to secure maximum points early in 2026 to create breathing space over the chasing pack.

Albert Biryukov-Wang earned MVP honours after coming on to replace starting libero Zac Tzou, recording seven digs and passing a 2.14, with half of his receptions rated perfect. Tate Sandvig was also recognised with an MVP award after a tireless all-round performance, tallying 10 kills, three blocks, five digs and three aces.

Nottingham’s depth was on full display, with points spread across the squad. Nottingham's Hawaii graduate Kanai Akana and Durham's UCLA alumnus Mathew Edwards shared game-high honours with 20 kills apiece across the five sets.

Durham currently occupy a playoff spot, although Essex and Newcastle have games in hand. One factor in Durham’s favour is that the majority of their away fixtures are now complete, meaning visiting teams must travel to Durham, where the side remain unbeaten in league play this season.

That home record was started earlier in the week with a win over a struggling Leeds Gorse side. Leeds claimed the opening set 26–24 in thrilling fashion, but Durham responded emphatically, holding Leeds below 15 points in each of the following three sets.

MAAREE Women's Super League

Lionhearts Vinarius were the second host team at Super League Live, welcoming local rivals Team SideOut Polonia in a repeat of last season’s bronze medal match at Final Four, as well as their five-set thriller at Opening Weekend.

Once again, it was SideOut who emerged on top, closing out the contest in straight sets. The 3–0 win (25–20, 25–10, 25–21) was played in challenging conditions, with strong December sunlight causing disruption in serve reception, particularly for Lionhearts in the second set.

SideOut debuted new signing Grace Lazard, the recent Super League winner joined the club on Friday. She wasted no time making an impact, contributing five kills from 10 swings and three blocks. Former Lionhearts player Maeve Davitt claimed MVP honours after recording five digs in the sun-soaked encounter.

Lionhearts also unveiled a new addition, England beach athlete Kirsty Star, who marked her first appearance with an MVP performance that included nine kills and seven digs.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Essex kept the pressure on Durham—who had the weekend off—with a convincing 3–0 victory over Darkstar, who were playing their second match of the weekend. After dropping a set to Darkstar in their previous meeting, Alex Chinery’s side made a statement by taking the opener 25–13.

Darkstar pushed Essex hard in the second set, which finished 25–23, but were ultimately outgunned by Essex’s attacking depth. Haley Gilfillan posted an outstanding .727 hitting efficiency from 11 swings, recording nine kills, three blocks and an ace. However, MVP honours went to Elayna Duprey, who finished with 12 kills, one block and two aces.

Maria Bartelli returned to action for Darkstar amid an injury-hit period for the Midlands side, earning MVP recognition for the Rebels. She also featured on Saturday as Darkstar fell 3–1 to reigning champions Malory Eagles.

Darkstar claimed the opening set 25–23 in thrilling fashion, but Malory’s depth proved decisive. Claire Kellum led the way with 13 kills and five blocks, while the returning Joanne Kruize added eight kills and a block. Kellum secured another MVP award, while libero Lindsey Legg was recognised for Darkstar after recording 11 digs, five assists and a 2.15 passing rating.

The Super League now takes a short break, with several teams returning to action in the National Cup during the second week of January. The Super League resumes on 17th and 18th January with the first Super League Live of 2026 taking place on the 1st February. 

Photos by Amal KS, John Bird, Keeran Marquis, Jeongmin Leanne Lee and Jon Cornish

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