The Scottish Schools Cup is a competition that runs throughout the school year, with boys and girls teams competing on a regular basis. For those of you who are not familiar with the Scottish Schools Cup it paints a fantastic picture of the hard work that goes on around the country for volleyball. I was lucky enough to be involved in the Finals Night for the girls’ competition, which took place at Coatbridge High School on Tuesday 23rd March.
This year, the competition was split into three age brackets; P7/S1, S2/3 and S4/5/6. In the P7/S1 competition, there were eleven teams competing in a knock out competition for a place in the final. Ultimately though, it was Belmont Academy and Stonelaw High School who were successful in making it to finals night. These two schools have a strong tradition of volleyball and it made for an exciting match – with me as the referee! I thought the spirit and determination showed by all the players and coaches was impressive. There was lots of controlled, thoughtful volleyball on display from both teams. However, Belmont just edged the game and claimed the top spot with a 2-0 victory over the team from Stonelaw. Well done to both teams!
In the S2/3 competition, this year there have been nine teams competing throughout the year and it’s been another exciting competition (I should know, my school competed in it!) The final was to be a hotly contested match between Marr College and Lesmahagow High School. Both schools have lots of volleyball going on in their school, and both teams were desperate for a win! The final was another great game. The girls fought hard for each point and there was some strong blocking and serving to really test each other. It was regular finalists, Marr College, though that claimed victory with a 2 – 0 win. Again, well done girls!
The final match of the evening was a replay of last years final. In the S4/5/6 competition there were twelve teams entered this year. There were a lot of experienced players competing in this competition and it was Marr College and Prestwick Academy who stepped onto the court for the S4/5/6 Final. Both teams have a wealth of experience in their team and it made for an exciting match. Lots of spectacular defence and some clever attacking play from both teams saw the strong crowd witness a fantastic game of volleyball. Prestwick Academy’s experience shone through and they won the match 2-0, claiming the trophy.
Once again, the future of Scottish Volleyball was on display at another fantastic event. It’s so heartening to see these kids reap the benefits of the hard work both they and their teachers/coaches put in. Well done to all the players and staff from all the teams.
These events don’t run without hard work behind the scenes. A huge thank you to Sandra Grubb and Greg Coburn who organised the finals day and the competition throughout the season. Thanks also go to Mike Heaney and Alice Stewart for refereeing, the Special Events team for helping out, Michael McConville for photographs (these will be available on the SVA site soon, as well as on the http://www.volleyballphotos.co.uk) and to the Scottish Volleyball Association staff for supporting the event. A big thank you to the pupils from Brannock High School for stepping in to help score and line judge as well.
Another fantastic event Scottish Volleyball – Well Done!