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Essex Conference A Chelmsford 1 lost to Brenwtood Wildthings 28-26, 21-25, 23-25, 22-25 Chelmsford unable to topple Wildthings In the clash between the top two sides in Essex, it was Brentwood Wildthings that remained on track for their seventh successive league title although they were pushed all the way by a resilient Chelmsford who eventually went down 3-1 to repeat the Cup result earlier in the season. This was always going to be Chelmsford’s best chance to topple the county’s long standing champions with a full squad and a supportive crowd at their home court at Anglia Ruskin University. Chelmsford started with player/coach Paul Bohannan setting with captain John Hill, middle attack was Anash Vora and Steve Peacock with the outside attack coming from the tall Marcin Widzinski and Dave Gentry. The first set saw the pattern established with Brentwood’s swerving serve causing Chelmsford’s defence real problems, but when they could get into the rallies their attack line led by Widzinski caused Brentwood problems in return. There were never more than a few points between the sides all through the set and both sides had the chance to take set points. Finally Chelmsford took the set 28-26 to the delight of their supporters. Set two saw both sides use the same players with Brentwood persevering with a central setter whilst Chelmsford kept the more conventional position 2 setter. The result of the Wildthings tactic was to put pressure on the central Chelmsford blocker who had to decide which side to move and this coupled with the left handed hitting of Clarke was enough to give the visitors every so slight an advantage. Using all their national league experience, Brentwood fought back to take the second set 25-21. Chelmsford changed their line up for set 3 bringing on the tall Maklary for Gentry and at first this seemed to work. With two big outside hitters Chelmsford could score in attack but still struggled to get the service under control to make this count. Level scores up to 20-20 proved the home side could stay in contention but it was the final few rallies that showed Brentwood are not unbeaten in the county without reason. In both the last two sets it was this belied and experience that allowed them to keep on attacking right to the end taking them 25-23, 25-22 for the victory. Chelmsford’s man of the match Laszlo Maklary said later ‘It was really great to have a hitting role as I usually set and the lads did everything they could to win this one. We get one final crack at them at their home court later in the year and this is one we now really want to win.’ Chelmsford are at home again on Thursday 4th March against Tendring in Essex Conference A, warm up 8.30pm at Mildmay Sportshall Anglia Ruskin University the game following the usual social volleyball session for both sitting and standing forms of ther game which starts at 7.00pm. For details contact Ken Edwards – 01245 474425 – ken.edwards@volleyball.co.uk |