Category: NVL Men

Richmond Bucks came from 2-1 down to secure a thrilling 5-set victory over the University of Nottingham.  Meanwhile after losing to Polonia on Saturday, Docklands bounced back on Sunday to defeat Tendring and move into second place in the Super League.

photo by Steve Smith

Bucks had taken the first set 25-18 but with former Richmond players Ben Lucas and Noah Goalen taking on their old side, the visitors took a 2-1 lead.  However, Peter Soczewka’s side kept fighting and won the key points, taking the fifth set 19-17.

Richmond Docklands featured seven ex-Polonia players against their former team but the unbeaten champions were too strong for the hosts.  In front of a large and loud crowd, Docklands put up more of a challenge in set three, narrowly missing out 25-23.

photo by Steve Smith

photo by Steve Smith

Marcel Sivak’s side returned to a cold Kingston College Arena on Sunday to produce a professional display against Tendring, coming away with a 3-0 victory (18, 22, 23).  The win moved Docklands into second place in the table ahead of a tough away double header against Leeds and Sunderland next weekend.

All the action photos can be found here.

Richmond Men’s enjoyed a strong weekend with crucial National League victories for both Docklands and Bucks.

Richmond Docklands gained revenge over Durham Palatinates after the opening day defeat in the north east.  Marcel Sivak’s side bamboozled their opponents in the first set 25-14 – Renan Ribeiro scored three consecutive aces in a dominant display.  But league leaders Durham showed their quality in set two and led 17-9.  However, Docklands slowly pegged them back and after narrowing the gap saved two set points to tie the scores at 24-24.  But Durham just had too much in the end, taking it 26-24.  Docklands reasserted themselves in set three and with ex-Durham captain Pierre Tang-Taye leading the way the home side took a tight third set 25-23.  Docklands gained an early advantage in set four and controlled the match to maintain their lead into the business end of the set.  Durham saved two match points but a Sivak time-out disrupted Durham’s rhythm and a subsequent serving error gave Docklands the victory 25-22.  The win moves Docklands back to second place in the table just behind Durham.

The victories perfectly set up next weekend’s ties.  On Saturday Bucks take on fourth placed Nottingham University followed by Docklands against IBB Polonia.  Docklands also face Tendring on Sunday.  All three matches are at Kingston College Arena – please come and support your teams.

Sat 27th November 16:00 Bucks v University of Nottingham followed by Docklands v IBB Polonia

Sun 28th November Docklands v Tendring 

Richmond Men’s first home double header of the season provided mixed results for Docklands and Bucks.

Richmond Docklands returned to winning ways with another 3-0 (19, 18, 24) victory this time over visitors Leeds Gorse.  Leeds are yet to win in the Super League but they’re still a strong side and made Marcel Sivak’s side work for their win.  The winning point was fittingly scored by former Leeds player Vaidas Audickas with a service ace.

Richmond Bucks tie with London Aces followed and a seesaw battle eventually went the way of Aces 3-2 (13-25, 25-18, 12-25, 30-28, 15-9).  Bucks were left to rue letting a 2-1 lead go along with match points in set four.  An injury to Peter Soczewka in the fourth set dented Buck’s chances but Liam Corcoran stepped in to provide able cover.  Bucks should still be proud of what they achieved – at one point the average age of their passing unit was 15.5!

Richmond’s men’s division enjoyed three National League victories at the weekend with Bucks moving to the top of the Div 1 table.

Richmond Docklands travelled to Colchester for their third away Super League fixture in a row to take on Tendring. Coached by ex-Docklands player Alex Porter, Tendring were no match for Marcel Sivak’s side who ran out 3-0 winners (23, 16, 12). Captain Andrea Ivanov led the way and was unstoppable on the wing and from the service line. The self-styled Bulgarian Barbarian was awarded the Black Knight for his performance but honourable mentions go to new libero Filipi Rodrigues and opposite David Novotny who made telling contributions throughout the match. Docklands ended the weekend in second place in the table.

At the same time, Richmond Bucks hosted City of Bristol at the Kingston College Arena and also secured an impressive 3-0 victory (16, 12, 18). Italian debutants Martino Selleri and Saimir Hysa had excellent starts to their Richmond careers whilst juniors Mateusz Bobkowski, Jake Sanders and Peter Soczewka have all made a seamless transition to this level.

On Sunday, Bucks made the long journey to face Manchester Marvels 1 and again came away with a 3-0 win (20, 25, 23). Travelling with only eight players, Peter Soczewka’s team battled hard to gain a much-deserved victory. After just three matches, Bucks are top of the table and are the only undefeated team in the division. Fantastic work guys.

A comprehensive 3-0 win (12, 14, 14) for Richmond Docklands against Afghan VC (AVC London) saw Marcel Sivak’s side coast into round 3 of the cup.  In the next round they will face Weymouth Beach VC on Saturday 13th November at Kingston College Arena.

The match marked a third Docklands’ “debut” for Bruno Lusic who has returned to the squad after two spells with the team in 2012 and 2017.  He formed a powerful partnership with fellow outside hitter Vitor De Oliveira and AVC had no answer.  De Oliveira was awarded the Black Knight award for a dominate display.