Opponents: Whitefield
Date: Saturday 7th October
Result: 3-0 Win
Headline: LDV off to flying start
Author: Mike Lams

London Docklands Volleyball Club began their quest to return to top flight UK volleyball in convincing fashion on Saturday, as they triumphed 3-0 against Whitefield of Bristol. After three months of training, LDV were anxious to win the first match of the season and confirm their billing as favourites to take the National League Division 2 title.

Docklands were quickly into their stride in the first set, with rising star Yassir Sliti (just 18 years old) pounding some unstoppable shots through the middle, supported by confident displays from fellow England internationals Danny Primus and Alexis Blair. Whitefield had no answer to Docklands' combination of power-hitting and error-free volleyball, and crumpled to lose the first set 25-13.

The second Set gave Docklands' coach Ian Legrand (former coach of the England Junior team) some cause for concern as Whitefield rallied and Docklands committed some unforced errors. It was neck and neck throughout the set - at the crunch, however, the experience of the London team paid dividends, as they took the second Set by a narrow 27-25 margin.

The outcome of the third set was never really in much doubt, as the passing unit of libero Andy Hopper and Ned Groj regained their composure, allowing setter Andy Vincett to reestablish control of the game. Although Whitefield managed to stay within a few points of LDV, Vincett set up some attractive plays and combination shots, taking Docklands home 25-22.

Docklands will be keen to continue this momentum in their next match, against Milton Keynes on Saturday 14th October. The action starts at 2.30pm, at Bacon's College in Rotherhithe. Entry is free.