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Manning - Philips Handicap Cup 1srt April 2009 Brenwtood Whackers lost to Chelmsford 0-3. Set scores 19-30, 29-20, 28-30 Chelmsford into Handicap Cup semi-final I what turned out to be a tight game, Chelmsford were just too strong for Brentwood Whackers in the quarter final of the Manning Philips Essex Handicap Cup. Underpinned by a strong performance by captain and setter John Hill the visitors took the match 30-19, 30-29, 30-28. The Handicap Cup is an Essex competition that sees the better teams start with a points deficit and is played to a straight first to 30 points. In set one this proved no problems for the Chelmsford first six of Hill and Bohannan setting, Parkinson and Peacock middle attack with Braddick and Gentry filling the outside attacking role where much of the work is done. It was Brentwood’s unforced errors that allowed Chelmsford to quickly catch up the five point deficit and from there they cruised through to take the first set by a decisive 30-19. Set 2 was however an altogether closer affair. Edwards replaced Bohannan but throughout his time on court just could not get the ball to the areas where the attackers wanted the ball. Fortunately his serving skills had not deserted him and it was this that took Chelmsford from 25-21 down to a 27-25 lead. From here a real scrap developed as both sides were unable to hold serve and the score crept up to 29-29 where it became sudden death. When the dust settled Chelmsford had won the rally for a 30-29 set. Set three was a competitive affair with the home side starting strongly as the hard hitting Cole leading the attack to great effect. It took the restoration of Bohannan to partner Hill at 12-24 down to restore Chelmsford’s belief in their game. Parkinson and Peacock through began to break down the Whackers defence and with Gentry using power and guile to beat the block Chelmsford were back into the set. Parkinson was also showing great control with his service and with Hill distributing the ball to the right place on the net at the right moment Chelmsford powered back against a wilting Whackers defence. The caught up and then squeezed past Whackers to take the set 30-28 and a semi final place. Speaking afterwards player coach Bohannan was full of prise for man of the match Hill. ‘John had his usual solid game. He always seems to have time to play the right shot and this is the sign of a quality player. Tonight he defended exceptionally well and led the attack to the win with his reliable and accurate setting. He is a pleasure to play alongside – and he won us the toss – what more can you ask of a captian?’ |