LONDON ACES 2

WEYMOUTH 3

WEYMOUTH Beach Volleyball Club pulled off a scintillating 3-2 win over former National League Division One leaders London Aces to usurp their rivals at the top of the standings.

Weymouth have played two more matches than the Aces but remain in the hunt for a top-two place and possible promotion to the English Super League, the country’s highest level of volleyball.

Weymouth travelled to London in a pessimistic mood being without four first-team regulars, through injury or work commitments, and this was not helped when they lost the opening set 25-20.

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However, they began to settle into a good rhythm in the second set with fast-paced attacks set up by Weymouth captain Ryan Stout meaning the visitors were able to take control of the second set and won 25-17.

Weymouth continued dominating in the third set with powerful middle hitting from Sam Groom and Ollie Smith taking crucial points which enabled Weymouth to open a 2-1 lead.

The match really came alive in the fourth set with both sides battling for every point.

London’s powerful attack was scoring points but Weymouth’s defence, led by Elliott Sawyer, were able to stop Aces taking a substantial lead and the scores were level at 23-23.

Weymouth then set themselves up with four-match points but crucial mistakes meant that they could not convert any of these opportunities and London showed their determination to stay top of the league by taking their own first set point to take the match to a deciding set.

The fifth set saw both sides again going point for point and Weymouth were relying on the skill and power of their outside hitters Valdis Baranovs and Liam Tewkesbury to stay in the match.

Weymouth were 13-11 down in a race to 15 but then a great run of points gave them the set and match 17-15.

This result takes Weymouth top but Stockport remain unbeaten and will likely overtake the Seasiders, who still have a realistic chance of finishing second.

Weymouth now play the bottom two sides in the table at Redlands over the next two weeks.

This Saturday they play Manchester Marvels and host Richmond on February 18 (both 1.30pm). All supporters are welcome and admission is free.