The winning streak is over

22nd and 23rd January was a busy weekend for IBB Polonia London who returned to court following the long break. The home games against local rivals Malory Eagles and Team Sunderland were going to be a challenge for the youngsters of the Pro Volley Academy. It turned out that both games went the way of the away teams leaving the reigning champions of England with five wins in the league table.

Malory Eagles won the London derby 0-3 (13:25; 20:25; 21:25) despite a huge effort from the young athletes of IBB Polonia London who couldn’t match the experience of the visitors. Malory Eagles had only two defeats since the start of the season (one of which was at the hands of IBB Polonia London earlier in the season) and the challenge became a huge task for the home team, most of whom have only been playing for just over a year. Despite the result, the performance on court was encouraging and impressive, as declared by the visiting coaches and spectators. As the season progresses, the on court performance is improving and this was great for all to see for the large number of home supporters.

The Sunday game was much easier on paper, with Team Sunderland being the visitors to NW London, but the match score was a repeat of the previous day: 0-3 (23:25; 17:25; 19:25). The lack of experience and game awareness of the young players caused uncertainty on court and breaks in concentration. The away leg of the game was a very quick and simple affair with the Londoners swiftly despatching Sunderland 3-0, but today it was the team from the north that left with all three points.

There is no time IBB Polonia London to rest and lick their wounds the next match in the National Cup is a matter of days away against Richmond Docklands with the prize of a place in the semi-finals at stake. The match starts at 4.30pm in Northolt High School. All fans are warmly invited: details will appear on website and social media shortly.

“I am so pleased to be able to see well drilled, good quality junior players wearing the IBB Polonia London kit with pride. The two games didn’t go our way, but in the end the short term disappointment of loss will soon be forgotten because of the expected progress over the next few months. Ultimately it is the success of the Pro Volley Academy and the development of our young players that excites us. Congratulations to both Malory Eagles and Team Sunderland, they helped our boys learn how to play against older and bigger players with more experience than they currently have. The three senior players led the way on court and obviously vital in role modelling correct behaviour and actions on court; I thank them for their patience After all, they too were once the youngest on court; some more recently than others! I also want to thank our devoted fans who were in good voice and despite the result cheered all the way to the last whistle. same again next week?” – said Chris Hykiel, Director of Volleyball at IBB Polonia London.

Pic. sandsphotos.co.uk