IBB Polonia London reach another National Cup Final

On Saturday, 22rd February, IBB Polonia London returned, after a long time, to their own sports hall to play the Semi Final of the National Cup. The match was against local rivals and old foe Malory Eagles. The home team displayed a very high standard of volleyball and controlled the match throughout. The match passed without any nasty surprises and the eventual result was 3:0 (25:14; 25:17; 25:23). The reigning Champions of England will play for the trophy in the last weekend of April at the National Volleyball centre in Kettering against Durham Palatinates.

IBB Polonia London controlled the flow of the game from the first point to the last. Vangelis Koutouleas’ players put on an excellent show for the large number of passionate supporters. The first set came to a rapid conclusion with an advantage of over ten points to the pre-match favourites. The second set finished in a similar manner. The home team quickly established a rhythm and were relentless in subjecting the opposition to an emphatic defeat in little over an hour. The third set witnessed Malory Eagles, giving it one final massive effort and this even gave them the lead going into the first technical time out. Some substitutions from the coaching staff allowed IBB Polonia London to retake control of the game and the squad closed the third set out 25-23.

„We played the Semi Final vs Malory Eagles and always it is a very important game; no matter who our opponent is. I am happy with the result, but also am happy with the team performance for two and half sets. The last half set of course I made some substitutions when the score it was 16-8 for us resulting in the team losing concentration making the last set close. Generally after the European tournaments, my idea and also The Club’s idea is to put on the court more young and British players so they can build on their experience for the future. So the summary for the last game is, that I am happy for the result, for the most part of the game, and happy how the team reacted when needed. And I am even more happy for the team attitude and atmosphere; on court and amongst the faithful supporters” – said IBB Polonia London Head Coach, Vangelis Koutouleas.

On Saturday, 29th February, Brentford Fountain will be the venue for the next home match in the SuperLeague. IBB Polonia London, the current table leader and undefeated in any domestic match for ten months, faces second place Durham Palatinates. The match between the two top teams in the country is certain to be a huge hit. Volleyball fans will see a huge display of power and control at the game which starts at 4.30PM. All the information about the game and tickets are available on webpage and Facebook.

Currently IBB Polonia London has three National Cup titles to its name 1990-91, 2015-16, 2016-17. Last season the team made it through to the final, only to be pipped to the post by Durham Palatinates; the team that will once again face the Londoners in 2020.

Pic. sandsphotos.co.uk