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Essex Conference D 28 March 2009 Strong performance from Chelmsford Thirds Chelmsford put themselves back in contention in Essex Conference D with a strong performance in their latest match away to Brentwood Bombers. With the women leading the way, Chelmsford were only troubled in set 2 taking the game 25-9, 27-25, 25-20 with Emile Kearney their outstanding player deservedly wining the player of the match award.. With two late withdrawals and other injuries it was a bare six players who made the short trip down the A12 to Brentwood for this crucial game in Conference D. Chelmsford were looking to overturn the result from their home game and could afford no slipups or injuries. The starting six saw Richard Bohannan and Sylvie Parkinson setting with the line up allowing the remaining four to attack being Emily Kearney, captain Rachel Bohannan, the rapidly improving Claudia Lambert and player-coach Ken Edwards. The match started well for the visitors as Kearney proved strong in serve and defence feeding the setters and allowing them time to select their attacker. Playing steady and error free volleyball and with good calling for the ball Brentwood were unable to find any gaps in the defence. Setter Parkinson was covering every square inch of the court whilst on the other side of the net unforced hitting mistakes on the other side of the net allowed Chelmsford to take the set at a canter 25-9. It was no surprise that Brentwood would come back and with Osborne and captain Claire Harries in better form they pushed Chelmsford all the way in set two. Kearney again was a rock in defence but it was now much harder for the visitors to win points as the rallies lengthened. The Bohannon father-daughter combination worked well and Chelmsford kept a steady ship even when set point down. This duo were to work their magic once more for winning point for a 27-25 win. Set three was gain a close affair as Bombers resorted to an all out attacking game trying to wear down the steady recovery work of the visitors. However the cover remained good and players continued to work hard for each other on the Chelmsford side. Lambert who is perhaps Chelmsford’s most improved player over recent months was ever present at the net and when fed the ball more often than not hit into space to win the point. Although the home side worked hard Chelmsford stood firm to take the set 25-20 for the 3-0 win. It took the referee’ only a few seconds to decide on Emily Kearney as player of the match rightly recognising her strong serving, effective hitting and great back court cover as the stand out features in the victory. Coach Edwards was full of praise saying – ‘We were talking on the way about the importance of team work and Emily today showed what a great team player she is being 100% on top of her game and the reliable rock on which we could build this victory. Everyone played well, but you need the example to help everyone raise their game and this is what Emily did for us this afternoon’. |