„End of the road” for IBB Polonia London in Europe

Over the last weekend, between 3rd and 5th November, IBB Polonia London took part in the NEVZA Club Championships. The event took place in Denmark, where in Group C, the English Champions competed against Ishoj Volley and BK Tromso. On Friday IBB Polonia London played against the hosts Ishoj Volley and on Saturday against the Norwegian team.

The first match was played 3rd November. IBB Polonia competed with Ishoj Volley. The game was very challenging and the result was a 3-0 loss (27:25; 25:13; 25:18).

„Firstly I would like to thank the entire club as well as the co-owners of Jacek Ambrozy and his company IBB Builders Merchants for being able to take part in this European competition. The performance over the weekend has to split into two sections: firstly against Ishoj our preparation was almost perfect. We had everything written down based on our intelligence and scouting plans. Training looked very promising, but sadly all of our tactical planning disappeared after the first whistle due to the tension of the players. We were not able to maintain any rhythm, and despite being ahead, were not able to keep our standard and the first set was lost. We lost our confidence and as a result the second set was very disappointing. The third set was marginally better, but our opponents would not relinquish their hold on the match.” – said Head Coach IBB Polonia London, Piotr Graban.

On Saturday the match was against BK Tromso. The Norwegians played well from the very start and made life very difficult for the team from London. Despite a better effort, the match was also over in three sets 0-3 (21:25; 19:25; 18:25).

„The second day showed we could play solidly, but I have to admit that the Norwegians are currently above our level. Despite this we fought hard in each set and for this I must congratulate the squad” added Graban.

The European dream ended in the group phase. The event was a good test for each of the players. The squad is a new one made of very young players and this was excellent experience for them. It allowed them to compete on the international stage and to see the standard we will face in the future.

„I hope that we developed as a team during this event. As a group and as individuals we had many discussions after the first match and this helped during the second match. We fought to the end and supported each other. It was a great lesson for us, and I strongly believe it will give us momentum for the one season that we have ahead of us. Nobody can take away the experience that we gained in Denmark. Now we must focus on matches in England so that our huge project that we started this season is successful.” commented Graban.

The team now will focus on domestic matches. On 11th November, the next match in the national Cup takes place at Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre. IBB Polonia London will face New Forest in the Cup. The winners will find themselves in the quarter finals of the event. Tickets are available here. Following on from The Cup match, the next home game will be the return leg against Team Northumbria in the Super 8. This league match will be broadcast by Polsat TV.  Tickets can be booked here. More information about this will appear very soon.

All results in Men Pool C – NEVZA Club Championships:

Ishoj Volley – IBB Polonia London 3:0 (27:25; 25:13; 25:18)
IBB Polonia London – BK Tromso 0:3 (21:25; 19:25; 18:25)
BK Tromso – Ishoj Volley 3:0 (27:25; 25:20; 25:20)

pic. NEVZA Club Championships