Final Fours Heartache

Team Northumbria’s volleyball squad have one team in the Super Eights finals but the men’s team narrowly missed out on their place.

Coach Dave Goodchild knew the fight for the final was going to be a difficult one and unfortunately it meant that the men’s volleyball team were defeated by London Polonia 3-2 in the semi-finals.

Goodchild said: “I am very proud of them and they played very well, it just wasn’t our game on the day unfortunately.

“The game started off very positively but we were playing against a very tough team.

“It is a one off and we don’t get a second chance at it, which is a shame after having such an excellent season.

“Obviously the team are devastated as no other team had beaten us but Leeds and we were going into the game second in the league.

“But Polonia were on form and although it was a close game in the end it was always going to be a 50/50 situation.

“This season has been very positive for us. The team were going to be relegated last year and we aimed to finish top four, so we’ve surpassed that and we have a very strong team in place.

“Looking forward now we’re meeting next week to organise pre-season training, diet plans and everything else in preparation.

“We’re looking forward to next season and a win for us next year. That’s the plan and I believe we can do it!”

The Team GB coach is now putting his energy into TN’s women’s team after they won their semi-final heat against London Malory, earning them a place in final.

He added: “I’m so proud of the women’s team as this is a team that were meant to get relegated and now they’ve made it to the final.

“Leeds are a strong team who have been together four or five years so they hold a lot more experience than our three or four months!

“The team have already over achieved and surpassed everyone’s expectations but we’re going into the final very aggressive. We’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”

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