Last Sunday IBB Polonia London took on long time rivals Malory Eagles. The hosts confirmed they are in sensational form and closed the match out in three sets.
This was the sixth match of the season in the SuperLeague. IBB Polonia London started with Piero Muller and Mihail Stoev in reception, Ephraim Mills and Vaidas Audickas as middle blockers, Dahmane Bentiti at opposite, Diego Tamburini as setter and Filipi Rordigues as libero.
The first set was an exhibition of volleyball after a stuttering start. The crowd saw great defence, strong serving, and controlled attacks. Bentiti was outstanding in attack as was Audickas. The best server of the day was Stoev who caused untold chaos on the other side of the net with his pinpoint accuracy. The first set was over at 25-16
Malory Eagles must have received some strong words from their coaching team, as it was they who blocked their way to a five point head start in the second set. Both teams were playing well, but slowly point by popint, it was IBB Polonia London who clawed their way back into the set levelling things up at 20-20. The most memorable point of the game was a dig kill from Rodrigues who lollipopped a free ball over the net into a chasm of space on the Malory side of the net. After much head-scratching and arm waving the game continued. Malory Eagles stepped up to serve, only to put the ball into the net giving IBB Polonia London set point….the ball bounced back from the net to the server who caught the ball and hit the ball back into the floor causing referee Smith to reach for his pocket and brandish a red card for aggressive play. This gifted the set to IBB Polonia London and with that a 2-0 lead in the match.
The first point in the third set went the way of Malory, but then it was the hosts who took a cluster themselves. In the middle of the set, the eventual MVP Bentiti landed awkwardly and lay on the ground for a few seconds. He was taken off and replaced by Club Captain Andrea Maggio who took over from Bentiti with intelligent play for the rest of the set. The match was sooin over at 3-0
“It was quite a level game. All teams want to beat us, as usual. In all games, but especially with such a tricky opponent as Malory Eagles, we have to play a high level” said middle blocker Ephraim Mills.
IBB Polonia leads the table with 17 points and a 4 point margin and with a game in hand over second placed Durham. The next home game is against Newcastle Staffs on 9th December at Northolt High School. This will be the last home game before Xmas and we invite everyone to come and join in the fun. There are some surprises planned for the fans.
Come along!