Good - but we can do better says TN coach
VOLLEYBALL
TEAM Northumbria’s men’s volleyball team cemented their position at the top of the National Super 8 standings with back-to-back 3-0 homecourt victories.
Northumbria beat London Lynx (25-19, 25-19, 25-23) before repeating the result 24 hours later against Richmond Docklands (26-24, 25-12, 25-14).
Despite his team not conceding a set in either game, Northumbria coach Dave Goodchild feels his players need to be ‘more ruthless’ if they want to succeed.
He said: “Overall, I am happy. However, we need to play at our level, in our style.
“We were not as fluid as normal but we kept getting better and better.
“It took us time to gel. We did not stick to our gameplan and were lazy in our blocking - if we do that other teams will punish us.
“However, we came through in the end.
“We were committed but we need to be more ruthless.”
Northumbria rotated their squad members for the two games – introducing bench players and resting others - two things coach Goodchild thinks are equally as important.
He added: “Dan Starkey was given the weekend off to recover from a shoulder injury.
“We were missing our starting setters – Kieran and Fred so it was a great opportunity for our other setters - Dan and Ru – to have a chance to impress.
“From their point of view, having court time and experience is great.
“We also brought in Nathan Fullerton against Lynx.
“It is good having him back after about a year of being injured – he broke his finger and then he picked up concussion.
“He would have had another opportunity but he was sick overnight!
“Some of the lads will be given a rest now. They played six sets at the weekend so physically and mentally they are going to be sore and it is crucial they recover.”
Northumbria face another double date next weekend as they travel to the capital for successive Super 8 matches against Richmond and Malory Eagles.
Goodchild said: “We like travelling, we are good on the road.
“They will be two tough games but we are looking forward to them.”