Sport
20 December, 2023
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STALLIONS and Ballbusters made it a winter and spring double on finals night of Corangamite volleyball.
Newcomers this season, Stallions, have played in just two A grade pennants and won both while Ballbusters have always been around the mark, usually in B grade, but always competitive.
Stallions won their semi-final over Cooriemungle Bulls comfortably, jumping out of the stalls to race to a 2-0 lead before the Bulls redeemed themselves in the third set with a 15-9 result.
However, time was too short for the Bulls to get back in the match so the Stallions moved into the final.
In the decider, they played NOBTS who brushed aside Poachers in the other semi-final.
Poachers lost a key player in the lead-up which put them under real pressure.
Even though Poachers won the first set easily, NOBTS were too consistent in the next three sets and the 3-1 score summed up the match.
Young tall, Bailey Clarke, played an outstanding game.
Unfortunately, NOBTS were no match for the Stallions in the final and a skillful Stallions won 3-0.
The B grade final was a challenge match between Ballbusters and bottom team Slugs who actually went into the game as favourites.
However, recent form turned out to be misleading because Ballbusters asserted themselves as worthy premiers, winning 4-0.
Three of the four sets were close and the quality of play was high.
After a wonderful 2023 when Corangamite volleyball was both social and competitive, the association rests until school term two when the autumn season gets underway.
It is hoped some clinics will be offered during first term in 2024 to introduce people, both young and older, to a very popular Tuesday night sport in the district.