This weekend we have 3 of our regional teams in action -

PMVC Ladies start the defence of their SW League Title against last years rivals Beach Academy and Bristol 3 in Braunton. Head Coach, Steve Allen is taking up a squad of 8 - most of the team have been at the core of the squad that has dominated for the last 2 seasons comprising of Kate Wilkins (Capt), Victoria Wilkins, Megan Leeds, Valeria Minaeva and Chelsea Mitchell. Making their SW League debuts are Beckie Middleton, Lourdes (Luli) Rechi and Jess Trigg (playing up from the Ivybridge Tigers development team).

Their opponents are an unknown quantity at present and it would be wise not to underestimate them. For our new look squad, we are expecting the same steely determination from our girls despite potentially facing their ex-team mate and England Junior player, Ellie Cranch who has moved to Beach Academy this year.

In addition to the matches, Beach Academy's Denise Austin is holding an event -  a Volleyball Day for Ghoncheh Ghavami who is An Iranian woman who has been improsoned for watching a volleyball match. The premise is to encourage Women to play, support or watch volleyball on 12th October. I'm sure the atmosphere and awareness raised will be something our girls will be proud to be a part of. For more information on Ghoncheh Ghavami, go to www.amnesty.org.uk/actions/Iran-free-Ghoncheh-jailed-wanting-watch-volleyball. There is a petition to sign as well.

PMVC Pirates also start their new season in EDVA Division 1 and with their new name comes a new approach as the team focuses on enhancing gameplay for our Mens SW players or promoting players aspiring to play at that level. 

Captain Rob Young takes the helm with his crew of briny rogues - Jake Allen-Gdanitz, Evan Cox, Matt Rhymer, Tim Latcham, Steffen Shageer and Pawel Religa. 

They face Torexe Phantoms who are not the Exeter outfit's first team but they have proven to be stiff opposition and are worthy to be in Division 1. 

PMVC Skills Group Drakes continue their fine form after their demolition of Exeter University 1 last week. Their EDVA Division 2 opponents this time around are Taunton Panthers.

Captain Dan Tapson is still sidelined, but will be coaching and coordinating his team. Also taking the trip up the M5 are Luke Allen Gdanitz, Kyle White, Ben Head, Claire Crowther, Andy Chadwick and making his first appearance for PMVC, Ali Morteza.

Taunton’s A Team are a good well organised side and they have ex England player Jurek Jankowski as their talisman. Having both won their opening games, this could be an early indicator to which team may be a contender for the Div 2 title this season.  

Good luck to all of our teams on the road this weekend. Keep an eye out for the match reports and updates on twitter and our facebook page.

Go PMVC!