Defending champions Chargers are one set away from repeating as kings of the Goddard Enterprises Limited Division 1 volleyball league after crushing Deacons in straight sets on Wednesday night at the Wildey Gym.
Playing a superior game of attack and defence, Chargers took the match 25-22, 25-22, 25-21 to advance to 42 points from an 8-1 record. Deacons remained on 37 points with a 7-2 record. Chargers would need to lose their final game against Progressive in straight sets and Deacons would need to defeat Cawmere to force a sets difference ratio to determine the cup.
Chargers’ blocks did not allow Deacons’ Sheldon Roach and youngster Adam Niles to repeat their spiking aggression which had crushed Progressive in their last game. Sadly, Deacons’ setter Ronald Rice almost ignored Niles while trying to find a counter from two former Barbados captains in Elwyn Oxley and Jamal Nedd.
Both Oxley and Nedd never looked in form and the high leaping Klode Thompson was the most consistent reply for Deacons. By the time that Rice went to Niles, Deacons were in a deep hole and the inexperience of the junior player thwarted his usual confidence and effective spiking.
If there is any consolation for Deacons it is that Chargers who had originally opted out of the 2014 volleyball season will not feature in the knockouts which are expected to recommence shortly.
Gourmet Xpress Progressive guaranteed the third spot by defeating Foundation United 25-19, 25-16, 22-25, 25-16. Progressive have 31 points from a 6-3 effort while Foundation are signed owners of the cellar with and 0/9 performance and a meager four points.
The women finalised the top four positions with Brydens Rockets beating PanAmerican International Insurance Warrens, 25-23, 25-14, 25-14 and Carlton taking their first league win by stopping Toners at 26-24, 25-23 and 25-22.
Flow Sentry Brokers Deacons have already retained the crown with a match to spare. The Rockets are on 34 points with a game in hand, Warrens have 27 and Club United 19 with both teams holding an unplayed match. Toners and Carlton are on 12 points each with one game to play for both sides. (KB)
