IBB Polonia returns home with a point

On Saturday 5th March, IBB Polonia London played the most recent encounter in the Super League in the Tendring Essex sports hall. Following an emotional full action encounter, the visitors had to accept the narrowest of defeats to the home team. The five setter did give a valuable point to the table tally.

IBB Polonia started ferociously, the youngsters with only three experienced senior players, gave an incredible account of themselves against a more experienced team. They felt confident on court, and in the first two sets were in their rhythm. In the third set, the London team lost concentration, and started to make too many unforced errors, which the opponents made the most of. In the fourth set, IBB Polonia regained its composure and there was little to choose between the teams. The fifth set was a much closer affair. Ultimately Tendring Essex won the set, but by only two points. In the end the score was a loss: 3-2 (27:29; 23:25; 25:13; 25:22; 18:16), but the team earned a valuable point for the table.

Saturday’s match was full of sporting emotions and both teams fought to the last point. The players showed their will to fight and tenacity and never gave up. The result doesn’t show how hard they players have worked in recent weeks, the players continue to make huge strides in their abilities under the watchful eye of Greg Niski. There were always three or four players on court from the Pro Volley Academy which reflects the quality of the project; the ability that school children can compete with some of the best teams in the country is a feather in the cap of Niski and all involved.

„I think overall it was a good game. We started very well. Even if we won two first sets with two points advantage. We started very strong, but we couldn’t keep the same pace in the third set. There were some up and downs. We were losing our concentration and sometimes we didn’t perform at all in that set. The forth set was quite similar to the previous one in the beginning, but we were able to come back and the games return to a point-by-point battle. We stepped up, but it wasn’t enough. We walked into fifth set with a positive mind. We played some very good actions, but we were unable to close them when needed. We shouldn’t let them own the game. Despite the final result, I think we played very well and we never gave up” said Andrea Maggio, IBB Polonia London opposite.

Next weekend is a free weekend for IBB Polonia London, however some of the squad will travel to Kettering; the National Volleyball Centre under the Pro Volley Academy umbrella to compete in the Junior Championship of England; this takes place on Saturday, 12th March. Reaching the next round was achieved by coming top of their pools in previous rounds; they did this without the loss of a set. This shows that the academy now contains amongst the best volleyball players of their age group in the country. Any interested players who would like to emulate this group in 2022/23 should follow this link: https://provolley.london.

The next match for IBB Polonia London is away fixture and is on the 19th March against Newcastle Staffs which takes place at 3.15 GMT. Following that is the game known as the classic in recent years: against local rivals Richmond Docklands, a team filled with some very familiar and friendly faces. Details will be found here:https://fb.me/e/1gNhUA5jn.

Meantime, IBB Polonia London encourage volleyball fans to watch first episode of “The Volleyball Show” – the Club’s TV series which was produced thanks to the financial support of their strategic sponsor: IBB Builders Merchants, and other investors. From Sunday 20th February it is available via the Club’s social media channels. The series shows how the group has changed and gives an interesting behind-the scenes look at a day in the life of a Champion of England. Originally broadcast on BT Sport, one of the top sports channels in Britain, is also available here:https://fb.me/e/1wHGkaqsg.

Tendring Essex – IBB Polonia 3-2 (27:29; 23:25; 25:13; 25:22; 18:16)