CAWMERE predictably ended the first round of the Goddard Enterprises Limited Division 1 volleyball league unbeaten by handing defending champions Chargers their first league loss this season in the Wildey Gymnasium on Wednesday night.
With their vaunted attack led by national volleyball and squash captain Shawn Simpson, Cawmere took the key match 25-17, 25-22, 14-25, 25-20. Cawmere will enter the second round with a 5-0 record. Chargers opted to play without the inspirational Dale Addison, with Cawmere’s Robert Andrews and Mark Lewis giving great support to Simpson.
Chargers have to meet the unfancied All Stars and then fellow knockout finalists Deacons to end their first round.
On Wednesday night, Deacons, who had also lost to Cawmere, dismissed Foundation United 25-23, 21-25, 25-17, 25-17
The Deacons women were not so fortunate as they were thumped by UWI Blackbirds in straight sets 26-28, 20-25, 17-25.
That victory arrested UWI’s free fall and left them with two wins after five matches.
Their final first round game will be against the defending champions Pan American International Insurance Warrens next Wednesday.
Burger King Clapham Toners, who are trying to keep track on Warrens edged Chargers in a very tense and close five setter 25-19, 28-30, 27-25, 25-27, 16-14.
With Aaliyah Durant leaving the game with back problems after the first set, Ashley Jordan stepped up big time to put Toners in a position to end the game more quickly.
However, simple errors by Toners and a strong counter from Thonya Joseph carried the match beyond the distance with four of the sets extending past the customary finish. (KB)