Shados Inala reclaim form

Ahard-fought win enabled Shados Inala to reclaim top spot on Volleyball Horsham A Grade ladder.

The undefeated ladder leader did not have it all its own way against a determined Phantoms team, and had to dig deep to get back on top.

It was the brilliance of key players Jack Hannan and Tim Popple that got Shados Inala over the line, with Hannan responsible for some big hits, while Popple was clever as usual with his deft touch and placement when it was needed most.

Phantom’s John Kearns set well while Tyler Snowden blocked strongly and defended stoutly.

In the second game, Heidelberg recorded its first win for the season when it outlasted Nuggets in a marathon five setter.

Heidelberg benefitted from the return of Cam Robinson, who assumed the setting duties, and Brady King, who stepped up in his role as middle blocker.

Robinson was able to get the ball to middle attackers in King and Paddy Sherry enough to cause headaches for

the Nuggets defence. Kara Johnson and Jordy Weidemann combined well to keep Nuggets in the contest, but they could not quite get over the line in a highly entertaining match.

In B Grade, Von Steiger Bloods keep going from strength to strength, undefeated and on top of the ladder. But they did not get it all their own way against perennial favorites Waterhammers, winning on points after the sets were tied at two all.

Adam Harrison continues to impose himself at the net, while Nathaniel Leonforte spiked strongly.

Von Steiger Shadows and Phantom Masters kept their finals hopes alive with strong wins.

The Shadows were too strong for Von Steiger Barbarians with the returning Mark Block strong on serve and at the net.

Phantoms Masters bundled Murtoa out of the four on the back of strong work at the net by Colin Macgillivray and the skill of young gun Joey Nagorcka.

With four more rounds before finals, games are starting to increase in intensity as teams jostle for the best ladder position.