Final 4 day one round-up - North East double still on, as Rebels and Giants also progress

Eight has now become four after a high-octane day of action at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre that was, in the main, a little less close than might have been expected, with three straight sets victories.

The exception to that was an enthralling encounter between second-placed Essex and third-ranked Newcastle Knights women, which always promised to be competitive and produced a five-set thriller.

Alex Chinery’s side edged a close first set 25-23, but the Knights bounced back strongly to quickly level 25-21.

The Rebels stormed through the third set and looked well placed to win in four when they built a healthy lead, but they failed to push home their advantage and Sam Shenton’s side found a way, taking it to a decider with a 25-23 fourth set win.

At that point, it was hard to pick a winner, but Essex were able to hold their nerve at the back end of the set to clinch it 15-13 and spark the celebrations.

MVP was Rebels setter Makena Smith, while team-mate Eleyna Duprey scored 20 points from 16 kills, two blocks and two aces, while Knights’ Caroline McMahon responded with 10 kills and four aces.

First on court had been Durham Palatinates, who topped the MAAREE Women’s Super League regular season table by staying undefeated.

And they showed tunnel vision qualities in their quest to land the overall title in getting the better of Malory Eagles, who had finished fourth in the table, in straight sets.

The Eagles started well and were up in the first set, but Paul Welsh’s side kept their consistency level high and fought back to take it 25-21.

From then on, the result was never in doubt as the Palatinates closed out the next two 25-22, 25-23 to book their place in the gold medal matches.

Durham’s Chloe Thomas was named MVP after 17 kills, four blocks and an ace, while Chloe Allen hit 11 kills for the Eagles.

The most comfortable victory of the day was posted by defending men’s champions London Giants, who were always front runners against a University of Nottingham side who had finished fourth during the regular DYNAMIK Men’s Super League season.

While Freddie Fairbairn’s Green and Golds had their moments, and hustled until the last point, Giants superior height and firepower proved to be too much and they progressed 25-18, 25-16, 25-16 to ensure they have a crack at becoming double champions tomorrow.

Giants’ setter Griffin Fieseler was MVP while colleague Daniil Pyvovarenko registered nine kills and three blocks. Rob Morgan recorded six kills and four blocks in UON’s losing cause.

They will face Newcastle in the final as they put in a composed performance that justified their tag as second seeds.

The first set to and fro-ed first one way then they other, with both sides having set points but it was Newcastle who got their noses in front, edging it 26-24.

That proved to be pivotal in defending the match as the North East side gradually took the wind out of third-ranked Malory’s sails, winning the second set 25-21.

And with Jefferson Williams’ side unable to come up with the answers, the Knights, who did well to make Final 4 last year in their first season at the higher level, now have hopes of going all the way after closing out the third 25-19.

Nathan Fullerton hammered 15 kills and made four blocks despite Malory’s defeat while MVP Isaac Gibbs claimed seven kills, two blocks and one ace for the victors.

Images by Keeran Marquis and Evelyn Lee

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