LEAGUE leaders Nolan Partners secured their spot in the Division 1 Volleyball Grand Finals with one match remaining, however three other teams remain hot on their heels.

The previous ten Grand Finals have been dominated by competition heavyweights Nolan Partners and Mavericks but this year things could be different with two new teams with their eyes on the big prize.

Coffs Harbour Volleyball Association competition organiser Leigh-Erin Clowes gave us an insight into this year’s Grand Final contenders.

“TMNT are a young upcoming team and this could be their breakthrough year.

“They are the form team and last week won our annual Jacanana tournament against strong opposition from Sydney, Armidale, Grafton, Inverell and Coffs.

“Shake N Bake are the other team who could upset the Nolan Partners, Mavericks stranglehold on the competition, they have some big hitters and are currently running second place in the competition with only one match to play.”

Leigh-Erin explained how volleyball was suited to players of all ages and standards.

“There’s around 40 juniors at the club and two of our junior players have been selected for NSW State Youth Teams.

“We were hopeful one would be selected for the National Youth team, but COVID had other plans.

“Our club also runs a representative program which trains on a Monday night. Before COVID we regularly sent teams to tournaments in Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra, Gold Coast, Armidale, Inverell and Grafton.”

Leigh-Erin said volleyball had universal appeal.

“Our club reflects the multicultural appeal of volleyball, we have players from many different cultural backgrounds, including the Middle East, Asia, Pacific Islands, Europe and India.

“We are always happy to welcome new players, both beginners and experienced players.

“There’s 130 members who play in the Thursday night comp, and we also have around 40 junior members who participate in our weekly junior volleyball program.

“Our Association also runs the beach volleyball at Jetty Beach on Sunday mornings.”

 

By David WIGLEY