It is almost the end of 2023. How have the last 12 months gone? Let’s see!
2023 started with a victory for IBB Polonia London against Leeds Gorst and Sunderland and then after a classic five setter against Durham (the eventual champions) to progress in the National Cup.
In February IBB Polonia beat Newcastle Staffs and Sunderland, but had to say goodbye to the National Cup after an unexpected loss. In addition, the youngsters of ProVolley Academy went undefeated in the next round of their competition and with that made the final.
March had the match against Durham Palatinates with a defeat 3-1 and then a win against University of Nottingham.
The season ended in April and IBB Polonia London had two matches, both five setters against Richmond Docklands and Malory Eagles. These games decided that Greg Niski’s team ended the season in third place. The academy players also won silver in the final of the Under 18 championships.
Beach volleyball became the focus over the summer. Head Coach Greg Niski joined the trainings of Projekt Warsaw (the current table toppers in Poland). Moreover, the IBB Polonia Academy was formed for the youngest players.
In August the London based team returned to training indoors with a much changed squad. Open sessions took place with many players attending to see if they would be selected for the squad for 2023/24. After two months of training at Northolt High School IBB Polonia London started the season with a cup match against London Wildcats and a solid win. The first league matches were against Leeds Gorse, Team Sunderland and Durham Palatinates. All three games ended 3-0 in favour of IBB Polonia and a place at the top of the table. Individual statistics were also gold covered with Diego Tamburini leading as the best setter in the country and player of the month.
Greg Niski’s team played five more matches up to the mid-season break, all of which ended in confident wins. Currently the team sits on top of the Super-league table; they have not been beaten this season.
The fantastic form is a great indicator for 2024; we can’t wait for the new year and the next game.
