Rugby Phoenix 3 South Birmingham VC 1 (25-15; 15-25; 21-25, 25-13; 15-6)
In a season that has seen Phoenix struggling to find form, they finally showed what could have been with an impressive 3-2 win over South Birmingham VC. With Rugby Phoenix just clinching safety in the division and with South Birmingham chasing the elusive 2nd automatic promotion spot this could have been a very tough game for the home side.
Rugby Phoenix started brightly, as they had done on the two previous encounters against South Birmingham this season, and really took control in the opening set. Skipper Mark Fielding hit the ball all over the court and found several gaps in the opposition defence. Jacob Jarek also contributed with several strong attacks and Rugby really got in to a rhythm. The defensive passing from libero Dmitrijs Ledkovs and middle hitter Andy Nicklin was where Rugby really excelled though as they managed to their setters to create some devastating attacks. Rugby closed out the set in a fine manor to take the lead in the game.
As with so many games this season concentration dropped at the start of the second set and the away team started to find their hitting range. Rugby got caught cold on one defensive rotation and Birmingham served well to make sure Rugby struggled to get out of it. By the time they made it round the set was almost over and Birmingham managed to wrap up the remaining points to tie the game.
Heads had dropped by the start of the third set and Birmingham could sense they were onto something. Again with Rugby caught in a difficult rotation the away side took advantage and pushed on to take the third set and a lead of 2-1 in the match.
The fourth set was the turning point in the match as coach Jon Chetham introduced himself into the game and immediately Rugby looked a different side. Simon Jones combined well with Chetham to open up a lead which was assisted by some fine serving from Aneel Khanna. Matt Glenn chased everything on the back court to make sure Rugby weren’t going to surrender without a fight. Incredibly the power balance shifted and Rugby took control again racing to victory and tie the game up at 2 sets all.
With the momentum on their side Rugby knew all they had to do was keep their heads and victory would be theirs. The experienced home team players stepped up and made sure that Rugby would be enjoying only their 5th win of the season with a brilliant performance that left Birmingham with little chance of getting anything.
A fantastic result for the home side who will surely be a late contender for fourth spot and that last champions league place?
52.359613
-1.292218