News
It's a Grey Day! (U16 Richmond Schools Finals)
11th December 2006
Last Thursday, after two terms of running Richmond's Competitive Edge Volleyball Programme for years 11 and 10, the borough witnessed unprecedented by scale a volleyball event which took place in St Mary’s College.
Seven schools were putting their new skills to the test aiming to be crowned the first u16 school borough champions. Unfortunately, due to mock exams Whitton School had to withdraw from the event and Christ School was only able to join for the play-offs.
Winners of previous cluster rounds Hampton CC and Sheen came determined not to give in lightly. However, Grey Court squad and underdogs Teddington had their own agendas for the day and after preliminary rounds they claimed the first position in two pools. Matches were as close as they could be. All games in Pool B went to the 3d set to decide the winner.
Teddington vs Hampton CC and Grey Court vs Sheen semifinals were fierce. Amazingly, that raised the overall standard of play and showed that there is a lot of potential in these fledging teams. “ They are playing proper volleyball!” – that were the words of Carol Gordon, Coach and Manager of England’s Cadets, who came along with Jefferson Williams, GB Women’s Volleyball Coach to watch rising Richmond stars. She meant it and offered three talented players to join the next Cadet Camp.
In the final Teddington faced Grey Court. Reaching the final was a huge leap forward for Teddington School that once had a strong volleyball tradition and demonstrated great technical skills in the previous cluster competition. They were focused and team work was great. It was strong consistent service and perfect passing that gave Grey Court team all this necessary advantage and they won the final to become the first Richmond Schools Champions.
Hampton CC played Sheen for the third place, and it seems that regular after school club sessions, which went beyond 4 weeks introductory programme, gave Hampton CC the edge and they claimed the third place.
Christ School finished first in the Play-off Shield competition. Waldegrave school team deserved a special mention for the considerable improvement in individual skills and incredible courage in defending court against mostly boys teams.
It was a great event and it was only possible because a lot of people put their thoughts, effort and time into support and organising.
Our big thanks go to the staff of St Mary’s College for hosting this competition.
We also would like to thank all teachers, coaches and supporters who made this long day such a success.
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