15 Jan 2024
Super League review round 9 (13th and 14th January)
Durham Palatinates were top of the pile at the very end of 2023 having played more games than their rivals, but their inactivity in round 9 meant unbeaten IBB Polonia returned to top spot by making it eight wins from eight matches.
Malory Eagles also had a hugely successful weekend, as they recorded two victories to move up to second and relegate the Palatinates down to third, albeit with the London side having now played a game more than their North East rivals.
Despite the break, it was business as usual for Polonia, who continued their dominance of the top division by maintaining their 100 per cent record, this time seeing off the league’s bottom side, Leeds Gorse.
After easing to the first set 25-14, the hosts were pushed harder in the second and third sets, but still took them both comfortably, 25-20, 25-18, to claim a straight sets triumph.
MVP for IBB was libero Filipi Rodriguez while Ben Sorley got the nod for Leeds.
Malory, meanwhile, played the first game of their weekend double header on Saturday as they took on Newcastle Staffs at Ernest Bevin College.
While competitive, an under-strength Castle squad were always going to find it a tough assignment and were eventually beaten 3-1 by the capital side.
The Eagles were even more convincing on Sunday as they cruised to a 3-0 triumph against Team Sunderland.
After winning the first set 25-20 and then second 25-20, the hosts were pushed much harder in the third, but nicked it 26-24 to take their overall seasonal record to 8-3.
Setter Luke Atkinson took the MVP award for Malory and Oliver Tuck claimed the honor for Sunderland.
The other men’s game saw Essex Rebels heighten Leeds’ woes by securing a 3-0 success on Sunday.
The home side encountered few problems in running out 25-17, 25-17, 25-13 winners to consolidate fourth place in the league table.
Outside hitter Thomas Shatimehin (pictured above) continued his good form to be named MVP, while Nelson Murangwa was chosen for the visitors.
Three matches took place in the women’s competition, with victories for three Southern-based teams.
Team Sideout Polonia kept up the pressure on leaders Durham Palatinates with two victories of contrasting nature.
First they eased to a confident 3-0 success against Leeds Gorse on Saturday, taking the three sets 25-16, 25-17, 25-21 at Northolt School.
Sydney Busa recorded 15 kills, two blocks and 12 digs, while Alice Jagielska made 10 kills, three blocks and five digs.
MVP for Polonia was setter Gaia Canevari, who served one ace, completed 24 of 49 assist attempts and made six digs, while Alessia Garnero was selected for Leeds, having successfully completed all 15 service returns, as well as complete four kills, one block and eight digs.
On Sunday, however, it proved to be an altogether different challenge as they squeaked through to an important 3-2 win over Malory Eagles.
The sides exchanged the opening two sets, with Polonia taking the first 25-20 and the Eagles hitting back to win the second 25-18.
Malory pressed in front by registering the third set 25-21, but the hosts showed all their resolve to take the next two 25-21, 15-11 in a thoroughly entertaining and competitive contest.
Sideout’s success increased the gap between themselves and the Eagles, who are third in the table.
Malory could at least take some solace from their Saturday match, where they were 3-1 winners over Cambridge ARU.
It was the visitors who made the better start, edging to a 25-23 first set triumph, but the Eagles came back strongly to take the next three 25-18, 25-14, 25-23.
Essex Rebels were the other weekend winners as they were 3-1 victors over Leeds Gorse on Sunday at the Essex Sports Arena.
The home side won the first 25-20, but, in a sign of things to come, they were pushed hard before clinching the second 25-13.
Leeds then rallied to take the third 25-17 and set up a key fourth set but could not keep their momentum going as Essex closed out the match with a 25-13 triumph.
New US signing Chelsea Simmons (pictured above) made a great start to life as a Rebel to pick up the MVP award for her side, while Eva Borrowdale took it for Gorse.
Pics courtesy of IBB Polonia and Essex Rebels.
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