PMVC Skills Group Drakes were in action yesterday in the EDVA Division 2 league. With Torexe Jaguars 2nd in the league vying for promotion this season, Drakes in 4th had a challenge on their hands against strong opposition. 

Drakes' team comprised of Victoria Wilkins (Captain), Lara Sowden (Vice Capt.) and Chloe Burns sharing setting duties, Mel Melville Brown was marking his debut for the club through the middle with Kyle White. Ali Morteza, Luke Allen Gdanitz and Dil Teli were the options for outside hitting and Andrew Potter was returning to the side as Libero whilst also coaching the team.   

At the beginning of the match, Drakes were finding their feet and were level on points for the first half but Jaguars had a run of serves to take the momentum and the first set 25-18. In the second, PMVC were guilty of trying too hard and mistakes crept into the game. Despite Kyle White's steady attacking at the net, it was one sided as Torexe sealed the second set 25-12.

The 3rd set saw a resurgance of confidence for Drakes as Melville Brown and Morteza started to pick out the corners and accrue some much needed points. Captain Wilkins came on as outside hitter for Allen Gdanitz who had injured himself at the start of the set. With the game poised at 24-20 in favour of the Jaguars, Sowden served PMVC back into contention when the opposition opted for a timeout. Jaguars then took the set 25-23 with a fine hit by their MVP Snell through the outside.

With Jaguars having sealed the win, PMVC had nothing to lose in the 4th set and battled hard. Teli found good form and was dominating the attack and Sowden was finding White through the middle with increasing ease. Again Jaguars struck at the right time to take the 4th set 25-20.

The final set saw Drakes continue to improve on each set performance and rising junior start Burns had a fine run of probing serves including 2 aces to lead 7-1. Jaguars called a timeout but they couldnt stop PMVC's momentum with some great blocking from Allen Gdanitz having recovered and moving to the middle position. PMVC Drakes dug deep and kept their concentration despite the overall result and took the final set 15-9 and with it a consolation point.

MVP was awarded to the Drakes Captain, Wilkins for her versatility and control of the attack when setting. However, credit is deserved all round for the team performance and winning the final set left the team buoyed by a good overall performance. White & Burns were the coaches picks of the day for their presence in attack and growing confidence in their individual progression. Well done guys! Go PMVC!

The next game for PMVC Skills Group Drakes is in Exeter (Riverside LC) on 22nd March again Torexe Spitfires.