On the road again

On the road again

Four matches in three different venues was the script for this day. The men of Su Ragazzi II were first up, playing and losing to local rivals Lenzie by 3 sets to 1. Captain Gordie McGilivray was philosophical afterwards…..”We didn’t match them, and they played well, so it was all pretty disappointing”

Meanwhile in the very cold gym at Prestwick Academy, City of Glasgow Ragazzi were playing against their hosts South Ayrshire. Before the match Setter Marc McLaughlin shared his views of what promised to be a tough game.

How do you think this game will go?
Sticking to the game plan will allow us to run an effective offence, providing us with precision in our actions, and hopefully the win.

What are the strengths of South Ayrshire?
They are a strong serving team which will put us under intense pressure to pass carefully. South also like creating lots of noise and a very intense atmosphere.

How will you go about countering these strengths?
The key will be controlling the first pass to allow us to run first tempo in side out.

What are your personal targets for the match?
To keep calm, to stick to the game plan, to provide a stable ball for the outside hitters and run a controlled offence.

The City boys won the match 3 sets to zero 14-25, 22-25, 16-25 Interviewed by Jillian Barton Marc was asked to reflect on the match.

What do you think was the main reason you won the match?
I thought we controlled the outside net with some excellent hitting, and we blocked well.

Where do you go from here?
We need to build on the success of our serve and passing games for the post Christmas period.

While Marc and his teammates were busy winning their match the girls from the Su II team were involved in yet another triangular fixture at Chryston High School. First up the girls played Jets II and set them a series of problems for which they did not have answers, which meant the home side won 3 sets to zero with emphatic set scores; 25-9, 25-19 and 25-15. Then they played Edinburgh University II and dispatched them 3 sets to zero 25-15, 25-15 and 25 12. All 9 players in the squad today played, and were successful, with Jade McKerricher having her best game of the season.

The final match of the day saw the Fabulous Suettes hosted by Troon. Setter for the day Raveen Gill was interviewed prior to and after the match by Laura McReady.

How do you think this game will go?
It will be different for me playing as the setter, but if everyone does their jobs, and I can provide some stability on the flight of the ball we should be successful.

What are the strengths of the Troon team?
I think they have good ‘scramble play’ and will rally well. They have some experienced players in Kay and Lindsay who could threaten us on the outside.

How will you go about countering these strengths?
We have a well established block-defence unit, which should be able to provide me with some stable ball from which we can attack them. If we speed the game up, and hit tough on the outside then we should out them under pressure and not let them rally.

What are your personal targets for the match?
I want to serve tough to the target, to provide a stable set for the attackers, and not be nervous.

The Fabulous Suettes won the match 3 sets to zero 17-25, 15-25, 13-25 Laura completed the interview with Raveen.

What do you think was the main reason you won the match?
Despite the forced changes to our line-up we all worked well together. We were disciplined in our structures and tactics, and created an intense level of play.

Where do you go from here?
We need to continue to work on playing and working with each other to establish a strong link between our defence and attack.

So the Club goes into the Christmas break in fine form, after another successful Saturday.