Marjon ladies mark comeback with double success

MARJON volleyball club's women made a comeback after two years – and promptly racked up two South West Regional League victories.

They were playing in a triangular fixture against Cardiff Celts and Torexe Topcats at Tor Bridge High, the club's new venue for the season.

The Marjon squad boasted experienced players in the shape of captain Liene Knupke and Marina Baker, who have both played in Europe.

They have been joined by Teresa Sanders, Kate Wilkins, Georgina Wells and Jess Lethbridge, who were all part of the original squad from two years ago.

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Also playing are juniors Ellie Cranch, Megan Leeds and Victoria Wilkins, who are part of the South West region under-16 squad.

The first game against Cardiff Celts saw Marjon quickly take control by sealing the first set 25-10, thanks to aces on serve and accurate hitting from Knupke.

The second set was won 25-19 by Marjon and the third 25-12 to give the city side a 3-0 win.

Marjon were a bit too much for Torexe, winning 3-2 thanks to the precision serving of Marina Baker and Knupke.

Marjon lost the first set, won the second and the third and lost concentration in the fourth to let the match almost slip through their fingers.

But with the score at 2-2, Marjon won the deciding set 15-12 to record their second victory of the day.

Marjon head coach Steve Allen said afterwards: "This is a very special moment for the club – our juniors have been waiting in the wings until they've been ready for the South West League.

"I hope this gives them the confidence in their own ability to compete at this level."

Marjon women play again at Exeter on October 28, while the men's season begins in Bristol on October 21.

Meanwhile, Marjon's mixed Exeter Divisional League Two team, the Jesters, were in action at Exeter School against Wanderers VC Cohorts in their first match of the season.

Veteran Mark Wrobel was captain after a lengthy absence from the game through a shoulder surgery.

Regular players Matt Bell, Matt Connell, Dan Tapson and Tom Shacklock provided experience alongside rising juniors Kyle Mitchell and Luke Allen-Gdanitz.

The remaining player,Yasmine Pocula, was playing her first competitive game.

Marjon lost the first set 25-18, but recovered to take an unassailable 3-1 set lead with one set still to play.

Debutant Pocula got court time and Jesters won the final set to win 4-1.

PMVC Jesters' next match is the return against Cohorts, at Tor Bridge High Sports Centre on Sunday, November 11.