Andy Hopper – Page 4 – Richmond Volleyball

Team Bello claim historic bronze medal

Andy Hopper on August 9, 2022 in Beach Volleyball

Congratulations to Team Bello after winning a truly historic bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Javier and Joaquin did England proud and won the country’s first ever senior volleyball medal at an international multi-sports event.

They were watched court side by mum Barbara and brother Quique while dad and coach Luis watched backstage.

An amazing achievement for the team after many years of hard work and dedication.

Everyone at Richmond Volleyball are very proud of what they’ve achieved and look forward to watching their international careers blossom in the years ahead.

Docklands and Bucks on top

Andy Hopper on December 12, 2021 in Leagues | News | NVL Men

Richmond’s Men’s Division top both the National Super League and Division 1 after two Sunday victories for Docklands and Bucks.

Richmond Bucks sealed a 3-0 win (24, 18, 18) against Weymouth Beach VC to return to the top of the table.

On the other side of Kingston College Arena, Richmond Docklands were having a fiercely contested battle with Newcastle Staffs. The visitors took the first set 25-21 but Marcel Sivak’s fought back to take a 2-1 lead. Docklands led 15-8 in the fourth set but Staffs did not give up. They tied the scores at 20-20 and then the crowd were treated to a ding-dong battle to the conclusion. In the end Docklands took the set 25-23 at the first opportunity with captain David Novotny sealing the final point.

Richmond Bucks complete their 2021 fixtures with two matches next weekend. The take on Cambridge ARU at Teddington on Saturday and then travel to City of Bristol on Sunday.

Docklands go top as Bucks win another five setter

Andy Hopper on December 6, 2021 in Leagues | News | NVL Men

Richmond’s Men’s Division enjoyed another winning weekend with three away victories.

Richmond Bucks defeated table toppers Team Essex Blaze SR in another thrilling five setter. Peter Soczewka’s side took a 2-0 lead but with Mihail Stoev dominating the play he dragged his team level. But Bucks had too much in the end and took a deserved 15-12 fifth set win. That leaves them second in the league behind Essex who have played two games more than Bucks.

Docklands faced another long road trip north against Leeds Gorse and Team Sunderland. The 600 mile round trip was a fruitful one with two 3-0 victories to take Marcel Sivak’s team top of the Super League. Saimir Hysa picked up both Black Knight awards after two eye catching displays.

Both Richmond teams are back in action on Sunday 12th December at Kingston College Arena. Docklands take old rivals Newcastle Staffs whilst Bucks play Weymouth Beach VC for the second time this season. Both matches start at 13:30.

Bucks celebrate

Bucks take thrilling five-setter whilst Docklands go second

Andy Hopper on November 28, 2021 in Leagues | News | 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

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.

Victorious weekend for Richmond Men

Andy Hopper on November 21, 2021 in Leagues | News | NVL Men

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

Richmond Bucks kicked off the weekend with a comprehensive 3-0 away win against Weymouth Beach VC. Peter Soczewka’s squad produced a very professional display to move up to third place in the league. MVP was awarded to Enrique Bello.

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