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National Cup and Shield Semi-finals Preview - 16 teams in hunt for Cup Finals Weekend places
Each and every one of them will be able to bask in the knowledge that they will be playing at Cup Finals Weekend 2026 – even if they reflect that their respective jobs will not yet be done.
For now, though, the only focus for the 16 teams left standing are tomorrow and Sunday’s semi-finals, where some epic matches are in prospect.
Volleyball England runs the rule over the “runners and riders” who are eyeing national glory come 25th and 26th April (Get your tickets here).
National Men’s Shield
Legends v Brazukas
One of the most intriguing ties of the weekend pits Greater Manchester Local League side Legends against London League cub Brazukas.
The Oldham-based hosts only formed last year, but already have designs on going places, hoping to combine youth development with a strong elite level team, where they have ambitions to enter the NVL – and make headway through it.
With the help of England internationals Ben Lucas and captain Chester Searle, they have already defeated Isle of Man Falcons, Hull Thunder 2, Nottingham Rockets and, in the quarter-finals, Leeds Gorse 2.
This clash is likely to be their toughest test yet, but with plenty of experience, they are quietly confident they can continue their Shield run.
“We are very excited for our semi-final against Brazukas and training this week has been at a good intensity,” said Libero Searle, a commercial pilot in his day job.
“We are proud that a Manchester Local League side has come this far, but ultimately our goal is to get our hands on the golden ticket and showcase our volleyball in Loughborough.
“Our squad has a nice blend of youth and experience which has allowed us to develop players but also simultaneously see success in both the shield and local competitions.”
Formed in 2022, Brazukas has quickly established itself as a popular LGBTQ+ club in London where it aims to build bridges not barriers.
Founded by Brazilian Welton Winicius, his vision was to create a space where people from all walks of life could come together and feel at home, a matra which helped them win the Volleyball England Club of the Year Annual Award in 2025.
Now those in rainbow sleeves are determined to make their mark in the heat of battle, having already knocked out MK City, Worthing, Newmarket 2 and Watford en route to the last four.
They believe a fifth successive Shield win could be in the offing as they make the journey north to Greater Manchester.
Brazilian Vinicius, who plays outside and is the team’s captain, said: “We’re very proud to reach the National Cup Shield semi-finals this year. Each season, we’ve taken a step forward despite the challenges, and maintaining our performance has been key.
“As a growing club, every achievement matters - from Club of the Year to now pushing for a national medal.
“It’s a big responsibility, but we carry a whole community with us. When one of us wins, we all win. We’re ready to play with pride and let our All Stars shine against Legends.”
Darkstar Derbyshire v The Army
On the other side of the draw is the only surviving NVL team in Darkstar Derbyshire, who have already had cause to celebrate this month.
Indeed, only last week, they clinched the Division 2 North title, and are now seeking a league and Shield double.
Their team has been strengthened this season by a strong line-up with the University of Derby, whose side made it to the Student Cup Finals in February.
It enabled them to clinch promotion from Division 2 North with a game to spare, having won 11 of their 13 matches.
Captain Ilya Robbins said: “After a season built on relentless hard work and commitment, and guided by our fantastic coaches, we’re proud to have already secured the league title.
“But we’re not done. We’re focused, hungry, and ready to bring our very best performance this weekend.”
The Army have a strong pedigree in this competition having made it to the quarter-finals last season, but will hope to go all the way this time.
So far, the forces team have already knocked out Newbury, Guildford, Spelthorne Lions and Liverpool to reach this stage – two matches at home and two on the road.
They will be game-ready in the East Midlands, having taken part in an Interservices Tour in Fiji earlier this month.
Their team captain said: “History has already been made, but the job’s not done. Reaching our first National Shield semifinal is a massive milestone for this British Army team.
“Against Darkstar Derbyshire this Saturday, we’ll fight with the same discipline and heart that got us here. We’re ready to represent and earn our place in that final.”
National Women’s Shield
Reading v Farnborough Phoenix
Like Darkstar in the men’s competition, Reading Aces are eyeing a league and National Shield double.
Their Division 2 West Championship win was secured by beating their closest rivals, Oxford Eagles, 3-1 last weekend, meaning they are set to finish their league campaign with just one defeat to their name.
It is their second promotion in a row, having won Division 3 South West unbeaten last season and means confidence will be flowing through their veins.
Their journey to this point has seen them earn victories over Ashcombe Dorking, Essex Ravens and Dartford Chargers.
“We’re so excited for the National Shield semi-final!” said Reading captain Meg Budzinska. “We’ve waited a long time for this moment, and we’ll give everything on the court to reach the final.
“Our strength is playing together, staying focused, and supporting each other every point of the way. It will be a tough challenge, but together we’re prepared, confident, and ready to show what we can achieve as a team!”
Farnborough Phoenix are the only Division 3 team left in the draw, but have enjoyed a strong maiden season in the NVL.
They have finished second in the South West section, behind only undefeated Bristol 2, having claimed a commendable 13 wins from 16 matches.
While recognising they will go in as underdogs, especially as the away team, Phoenix are ready to give it their all in a bid to reach Cup Finals Weekend.
Captain Weronika Korkosz said: “We step into this semi-final with nothing to lose and everything to fight for.
No matter what, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved this season – but we’re not satisfied. We believe there’s more in us, and we’re ready to push for it.”
Tamworth Spartans v Cambridge 2
Another Division 2 West side, Tamworth Spartans, have had a disappointing season in the league, but have picked up just when they have needed to.
Winning their last two games 3-2 against relegation rivals Coventry and Warwick Riga and then, on Wednesday night, against Wombourne, has made them strong favourites to beat the drop.
Leicester Athena Nova, Manchester Marvels Mystics and the aforementioned Coventry are the teams they have beaten in the Shield to take their semi-final place.
Cambridge 2 have had another excellent season at Division 2 level, even if they look set to miss out on top spot to Onyx.
They sit second with 10 victories from 13 league matches - including both matches against their title rivals – but with results elsewhere hindering their cause.
Prior to last weekend’s five-set defeat at third-placed Richmond 2 they had gone six matches unbeaten in the league, a run stretching back to early November.
In the Shield, they have so far disposed of East Grinstead Queens, Sussex Dolphins, University of Bristol and Lincoln Cannons.
Cambridge captain Rachel Noka said: “We set out at the start of the season with the one goal of making club history by bringing home the National Shield. I’m really proud of the work the team has put in to make it this far.
“We’re a tight-knit team that fights for every point, and we’ll be hoping we can bring our A-game to Tamworth. If we can do that, I have every confidence we’ll see everyone in Loughborough.”
National Men’s Cup
Malory Eagles UEL v Essex Rebels
These two sides need no introduction to each other, having contested the National Cup Final last year – and what a memorable match it was too.
Having lost out in a five-set thriller to London Giants at Final 4, the Rebels marked what proved to be Head Coach Alex Porter’s last game of his decade-long reign at the helm with their own go-the-distance victory.
On that occasion, Malory went two sets to the good, but Essex, led by MVP Jacob Kern, dug deep and somehow found a way to win it 18-16 in the decider.
This time, Essex do not boast the same kind of form, sitting fifth in Super League, but have beaten Division 1 sides Manchester Marvels, London Aces and Coventry and Warwick Riga to book their last four spot.
“As the season nears its end, there’s real excitement in the group knowing this is one of our last chances to compete together,” said Captain and Head Coach Euan Fraser: “We can’t wait to get out there and battle for the opportunity to retain our National Cup title!”
Malory will hope to use home advantage to good effect, having been unbeaten in front of their own fans all season, with their three league defeats – at London Giants, University of Nottingham and leaders Newcastle Knights – all coming on the road.
They can draw on a league double of 3-0 wins over the Rebels in league action this season, as well as a confidence-boosting straight sets success over fellow Final 4 challengers, the Giants, last time out.
In the Cup, they have seen off the challenge of London Lionhearts and Division 1 North champions Newcastle Staffs.
Having been so close to major honours in the past couple of seasons, could this be Malory’s time?
Eagles captain Nathan Fullerton certainly hopes so and said: “In recent years we've played Essex in knockout games at the end of the season, so we know a lot about them.
“They've got a lot of young English talent with the potential to represent the national team one day.
“We're going into this game with loads of versatility, clear objectives and improvements on our problem solving under pressure. We're look forward to another thrilling A12 Derby!”
Richmond Docklands v London Giants
In looking to develop young talent, Richmond always knew this season could be one of struggle in Super League, but there could yet be a happy ending for them.
Last weekend’s straight sets triumph over Essex Rebels hauled them off the bottom of the top-flight table, meaning a great escape could yet be on if they clinch a place in the relegation play-offs.
Proof that their policy of bringing through their own is starting to pay off, has been demonstrated recently by promising English youngster Jelani Conteh being signed up by NCAA Division I level team California State University, Northridge.
But Docklands also have experience to call on and have been boosted by the recent return of Joao Alves.
To date, they have beaten Tamworth Spartans, London Giants 2 and Essex Blaze to negotiate their way through to the semis.
Now comes the considerable challenge of last season’s Super League champions London Giants.
“We understand the importance of this match but at the same time we feel no pressure going into this weekend,” said Richmond captain Ivo Dobra. “It’s been a rollercoaster season for us and now we are just focused on enjoying playing volleyball.
“We’re very happy on how this team has grown through the season and seeing how our juniors have stepped up and performed when needed. It’s a massive achievement on its own and the Richmond junior coaches deserve a lot of credit for that. We’re looking forward to the clash with Giants.”
As reigning league champions, Giants have had a target on their back all season, but they have coped with that well since their Opening Weekend defeat to University of Nottingham.
Going down at Malory in their last match was a first defeat in seven games and, given their only other setback aside from those already mentioned was 3-2 to Newcastle Knights, it underlines just how much of a challenge getting the better of them is.
They knocked out Durham Palatinates in the Last 32 and have subsequently overcome Onyx London and Wessex.
Giants captain Griffin Fieseler said: “We are very much looking forward to playing in the cup semi-final this weekend.
“Richmond are a strong team with many offensive weapons and this match will be a good test for us after a tough outing last weekend.
“We are aiming to bounce back and gain momentum going into the last matches of the year.”
National Women’s Cup
Darkstar Derbyshire v Malory Eagles UEL
This match-up is the exact same pairing as at this stage 12 months ago, where Malory Eagles were on their way to a League and Cup double.
This time, they don’t have Grace Lazard and Georgia McGovern to call on, but captain Chloe Allen is still in the mix, as are several other experienced players.
While the Eagles have not quote soared to the heights of last season, they have still have a more-than-satisfactory season to date and are well-placed to reach Final 4 going into the final round of matches, thanks to a crucial reverse sweep win over Team SideOut Polonia.
The holders have made comfortable progress in this competition so far, accounting for Team South Wales and Onyx London.
“We are really excited for the cup semi-final in derby where we have the opportunity to repeat our success of last year,” said captain Allen.
“I think we are coming together as a team and peaking at the right time for this game.”
Darkstar will no doubt have last season’s straight sets semi-final defeat to the Eagles still at the back of their minds as they prepare for this weekend’s clash.
They have been on the wrong side of a considerable points gap to the top five play-off chasing teams, but have shown on their day they have the players to cause any team problems.
They won games on the road at Manchester Marvels Mayhem and Everton Belugas before being given a bye in the last round after the withdrawal of Waterloo Thunder.
Both Darkstar and the Eagles have the opportunity across the weekend to get two of their sides to Cup Finals Weekend in the men’s and women’s competitions.
Darkstar captain Alice Brand: “We’re feeling excited going into this weekend’s semi-final game. Malory are a great team, so we know it’s going to be a tough battle.
“But we’ve been working super-hard in training and we’re ready to give it everything we’ve got. It’s a great opportunity for us to create history for the club.”
Team SideOut Polonia v Durham Palatinates
SideOut have been in the mix for honours on all fronts for a number of years – and this year is no different.
But with Final 4 hopes reliant on Malory Eagles failing to win their last regular season league game, the National Cup could offer their best route to glory.
Last season, Polonia were unlucky to run into the unstoppable force of an Eagles team on a charge and were unable to find the answers to finish as runners-up.
The season before, 23-24, they clinched the National Cup only to then lose to the same opponents, Durham, at Final 4.
The Palatinates again provide the opposition this weekend, after Team SideOut proved too strong for London Bears and Essex Rebels in the previous rounds.
“We are ready to step up and embrace the challenge ahead this Sunday. Games like this are what we have worked for all season,” said SideOut captain Merve Akin.
“We want to play with intensity, stay connected as a team, and show our character when it matters most. It is an exciting opportunity, and we are determined to make it count.”
For their part, Durham survived an Opening Weekend scare against Darkstar Derbyshire, where they pulled off a reverse sweep – and have never looked back.
13 straight wins means they have coasted through to Final 4 and remain red-hot favourites for the Super League-Final 4-BUCS treble.
It is in stark contrast to last season when the Palatinates finished in the bottom half of the season, but more akin to results in the year’s prior to that.
In Cup action, Paul Welsh’s side have come through ties against Loughborough Students, Bedminster and London Giants to reach the Last 4.
Durham captain Ali Ruffin said: “We’re heading into this game feeling calm and confident.
“The goal as always is to stay relaxed, trust each other, and rely on the work we have put in throughout the season. We’ve prepared well, so now it’s about going out there and playing our game.”
View all the National Cup and Shield fixtures and results here.
Buy Cup Finals Weekend tickets here.
