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Page last updated 01/08/07

Essex Cup Competitions

Essex runs four main cup competitions for teams based in the county.   An outline of the competitons is shown below.  For more details of this years competitons click on the left left for the competition you wish to see. 

The Essex Cups

Rucanor Cup The oldest competition and open to all sides on a knoock out basis.   Trophy donated in 1973 (ish) by Holland based volleyball sales company Rucanor who at that time hade an import office near Chelmsford.
Tachikara Plate Competition for sides knocked out in the early round(s) of the Rucanor Cup.  Named after the trade name of Rucanor's match ball.
Janet Bedford Cup Womens team knock out cup competition.  Formerly the Women's Cup, it was renamed the Janel Bedford Cup in 1998/9 season after a well loved Essex player.  Janet (nee McLaren) was a founder member of Trident Volleyball Club based in and around Southend that played for many years in Women's National League Division 1 for both Trident and Estonains.  They remain one of the most successful ever Essex clubs.  Janet also represented Essex in the inter-county championships coached at varying times by by Bob Villars, Pater Guernari and Tony Pennock receiving winners medals on several occasions.

She was tragically killed on 24 September 1996 in a head on collission on the A128 Brentwood/Ongar road and as a tribute to her memory, the Essex women's open cup competition was named after her.

She left a husband Alan and daughters Helen and Carly who have been able to join us on several occassions over the years to presnet the cup.
Philips- Manning Hanidcap Cup Open competition where sides play to a handicap decided by the Essex Committee based on league position the previous season. The (better) handicaped team starts with 0 points in each set, the other team has a 'start' number of points in each set which is played first to 30.

Originally known as the Handicap Cup, it was renamed for the 2003-4 season in memory of the two Essex players tragically killed in a road accident during the 2003 Poole Tournament
Mixed Tournament Did just what it said on the label.  Ceased in late 1980's

For past winners go to the Archive pages.