PMVC Vipers Vs Taunton Panthers

Captain Dan Tapson was determined to improve on their last meeting where Taunton won 5-0 and despite the 2 main setters being called up to the SW squads, they called on Veteran Andrew “Po” Potter and rising star Lara Sowden to set for his squad of 8. Drake regulars, Luke Allen Gdanitz, Kyle White, Clare Crowther and Dil Teli were joined by debutant Ben Brilot.

This was a competitive match overall but Taunton's talisman, Jurek Jankowski made the difference again with precision serving in the first set and some quite spectacular play at the net. The second set saw some really long enthralling rallies and Drakes improved from the first set scoreline with Luke Allen Gdanitz having some pinpoint hits through the outside and Ben Brilot prowling the back line.

In the 3rd set Dil Teli came on to have an impact that deceived the opposition and with Capt. Tapson moving into the middle, PMVC put the pressure on the unbeaten Taunton side and won a set back. In the 4th, it was close again with Claire Crowther growing in confidence and spiking some kills through the outside. However, Tauntons young but extremely well drilled side picked up the points where they needed to and took the decisive set.

Potter took a seat in the final set but PMVC were unable to take the consolation as Taunton wrapped up the set quickly and Drakes lost the game 4-1 (13-25 19-25 25-19 19-25 5-15)

MVP Lara Sowden played exceptionally well in only her 3rd competitive game for PMVC with some brilliant setting and defensive play.

Captain Tapson was happy with his team. “The scoreline reads a lot better than last time around and my target was to improve and we did that. Taunton are a really good side both in attack and defence and I was impressed with how well their juniors played. The last set was a bit disappointing because we could have fought harder but it was over in a flash. However, everyone seemed to enjoy the game we’ve got a few weeks until we play again so we can work hard in training to get back in the win column”.