Bucks battle hard against Europe's best

First up, on Friday, the Bucks faced Serbian champions OKI Banja Luka-Beogard and were beaten 3-0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-19), despite gathering momentum later in the match. 

They then took on Polish side WZSN Start Worclaw and got off to the perfect start, taking the first set with speedy and aggressive play. 

However, their opponents gradually edged their way back into the match, running out 3-1 victors (25-21, 10-25, 19-25, 22-25). 

On Saturday, the Bucks took on Neptunes de Nantes, the team who had won the Euro Silver League from which both teams qualified for this stage. 

The English side had hoped to get a revenge victory on this occasion, but their opponents’ ability to continually get the ball back proved decisive in a 3-0 success for the French (25-11, 25-19, 25-14). 

Yesterday (Sunday), a final encounter saw KSO Smec provide the opposition for the fifth place match. 

Again, the Bucks made a bright start, taking the first set 25-21, only for the Serbians to reel off the next three, 29-27, 25-20, 25-12, with the second, extended set proving crucial. 

Despite the results not going their way, the Bucks can look back on some excellent learning and court time that will, no doubt, aid their preparations for this Saturday’s Cup Finals, where they take on Help for Heroes. 

“We were very proud and excited to be participating in the highest level of the PVE Euroleague,” said Bucks’ founder and player Steve Smith.

“It is one of our greatest achievements to reach the Golden League and to have the opportunity to compete against top sides from Poland, France, Serbia and the hosts Bosnia.

“We had a strong side and competed well from large parts but some of the other teams really are a class above.

“We fought well throughout the weekend and managed to win opening sets against WSN Start Wroclaw (Poland) and KSO Smec (Serbia) but those sides came back strongly and we were unable to hold on to our leads!

“Whilst we did finish at the bottom of the pile in sixth place, we gained valuable experience to allow us to improve our level and to continue to compete at the highest European club level.”

Images by ParaVolleyEurope