Volleyballers fight out close contest

Volleyball Horsham’s B Grade competition is proving to be a tight and close-fought grade, with very little separating the top five teams.

Emma Avery’s Von Steiger Bloods are the early pacesetters, opening the season with five straight wins.

The team has benefitted from the return of gentle giant Adam Harrison, who has slipped back into the team as if he has always been there.

Avery has big hitters in Tom Roberts and Nathaniel Leonforte, while Leigh Creasey and Pat Pignataro are always consistent.

Following the Von Steiger Bloods on the ladder is the new look Murtoa team.

Beau Pendlebury has a good mixture of youth and experience, with Oliver Garth-lindsay, Bailey Logan and Taylah Johnson the young tyros in the team, while Damian Tanner and Jason Logan are the experienced

heads who bring the calmness to the team.

Their X factor is Jarrod Khan. Khan is getting better with each game, after being out for so long, and his height is a great advantage.

Perennial favorites Waterhammers and Phantom Masters round out the top four.

The two teams fought out a close battle last round with the Waterhammers coming out on top.

Phantom Masters had their chances but could not get that vital point when needed.

Waterhammers have picked up experienced Nalaka Vitharana and the wily veteran certainly has the skills to bring his team-mates into the game and make life tough for the opposition.

Just outside the top four are the Von Steiger Shadows and Von Steiger Barbarians.

The more experienced Shadows are starting to settle and with Peter Armstrong and Sam Leith as their two key players, will be pushing for a top-four spot. The young Barbarians are getting better each week.

With the likes of Cooper Walter, Nathan Sparke and Jake Hausler improving with each game they play, it won’t be long before they get their first win on the board.

Competition will now break for the school holidays, but there will be a school holiday volleyball session on April 12 between 10.30am and 11.30am at St Brigid’s College Stadium.

Volleyball fans are also reminded that State League volleyball comes to Horsham on April 13 and 14, with 16 games in round three played between Phantoms and Melbourne Uni Renegades.

As part of this weekend there will be a junior clinic with the Phantoms players at Horsham Basketball Stadium between 9am and 10am on April 13.

There is no cost to participate and expressions of interest should be forwarded to info@ volleyballhorsham.com.au because spaces are limited.