The Champions of England win again: IBB Polonia London prepare well for the second leg of the CEV Cup

Following on from Wednesday’s defeat on the international stage, IBB Polonia returned to domestic competitions and played their final SuperLeague match of the year, however the match against second placed Durham Palatinates, was not the final volleyball match of 2019. There is one more demanding challenge. On 19th December, Draisma Dynamo visit London to compete for the 1/8th round of the CEV Cup.

After a short history in Champions League, IBB Polonia London have still not finished with their European encounters. The first leg of the CEV Cup took place in Holland on 11th December and it was the Dutch champions who took the match 3:0 (25:14; 25:17; 25:20). After the return from Holland, the players returned to training to prepare for the Saturday game against Durham Palatinates. In the end, it was IBB Polonia London who took the match in the fifth set after a titanic struggle against a quality team. The home team won the first two sets convincingly, but then the team from London gathered momentum and won the next three sets 2:3 (25:15; 27:25; 19:25; 22:25; 15:17).

“We had difficulties getting the game started. Not aiding us in our mission were the train disruption. Delays  and cancellations at the last minute caused us difficulties in getting to Durham on time and hindered our preparation for the game, so there was s pressure for us to deal with. As a team we managed to pull ourselves together and win the game, against opponents who has nothing to lose as the underdogs. This win brings us optimism that we can deal with tough situations. It will also give us confidence in the second half of the domestic season” – said Mihail Stoev, IBB Polonia London outside-hitter.

Now the team from London has a few days left to prepare for the CEV Cup. The situation is not the easiest, but progress into the next round is still possible. The deciding match takes place on Thursday 19th December at 7pm in Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. Tickets are available here: https://cevcup.eventbrite.co.uk. The match is an excellent opportunity for fans to see the last volleyball event of 2019.

“We have played Dinamo three years ago in Crystal Palace, and it was an amazing game, lots of people, emotions and fun. Sure they will come to win and secure their spot in the next round in CEV Cup, but if we recreate the environment from three years ago, we have a good chance to send them home with empty hands. We all look forward to Thursday as the biggest volleyball event in England for 2019, so there is no place for doubt that this will be less than a great show.” – added Stoev.

“We have the chance to see international volleyball in London once again. The Club is continually developing, and setting itself ambitious targets and is building bigger volleyball events each year. For this reason, we invite all volleyball fans and Business Partners to come to the game and support the players in realising our aims. The Club has shown over recent years, that it has the ability to create very pleasant surprises and provide really positive emotions. On Thursday, we hope for a big atmosphere and lots of great action. See you in Crystal Palace.” said owner of IBB Polonia London and IBB Builders Merchants Jacek Ambroży.

IBB Polonia London played nine games in the Superleague and won all of them and only lost one point from a maximum tally on the SuperLeague table. The form gives Koutouleas’ players a huge advantage going into the second half of the season.

Pic. sandsphotos.co.uk

Draisma Dynamo Apeldoorn – IBB Polonia London 3:0 (25:14; 25:17; 25:20)

Durham Palatinates – IBB Polonia London 2:3 (25:15; 27:25; 19:25; 22:25; 15:17)