Also wanted to thank you for a fantastic game last night, I drove back to London(hence getting there late) and thought that was probably the best match we have had this season as it looked like it was going either way every single set.Great sportsmanship throughout too

Want to take this oppourtunity to wish you all the best for the rest of the season and look forward to seeing you all again next season.

By;

Mark Perkins

His talents don’t stop there, he has developed our club from a team of 5 regular players just managing to play all there games in local league to having a club that has 30+ members on the books from juniors to adults, 4 adult teams and has the view of pushing forward again in the next few years to have the first National League Side running out of Lincoln for a long time. As well as this the club has also sailed through Volley1 accreditation and is looking like passing Volley2 with out a problem.

He has done all of the above as a volunteer and no where is his presence needed, wanted and appreciated more than in our club. The club as a whole owes a lot to this young man and if he doesn’t already know, all of us at Lincoln Cannons Volleyball Club and anyone associated with the club are very proud of you. All the best in your future coaching career.

Report By

Alex Mulligan

It\'s a promising start to the season and i\\\\\\\'m looking forward to working with the new and old faces in the team this season.

Thank you for your effort last night and to all the support and help we had during the match.

Navaz Sutton

Friday 3^rd of July was our leaving date and the tournament was eagerly awaited. Everyone met at Naz’s house and helped to pack the minibus; everything was packed except for two chairs which was a first, in that everything was not able to be packed.

We were off on our two and half hour journey!  On arrival at Bridlington, the weather was slightly cloudy but warm. When we got positioned in the campsite we immediately started to put the tents up. However, the tent that Leon, John, Browny, Aaron and Alex Hutchinson tried to put was truly dreadful, but with the help from the rest of team they managed to make it look like a tent and we were off and running.

After we assembled the tents we gathered the team and decided to sort out who was going to buy the food, while the rest of us prepared the barbeque and arranged seats. When the food arrived random people started cooking on the barbeque, so that night Naz, Browny and Paul cooked the food; after the food everybody chilled and relaxed it was a great atmosphere.

The next morning came (too early for some) but we had to get ready to play for ten o’clock. Everyone was a bit tired from the night before but was eagerly ready for the tournament. We had breakfast and then walked a short distance to the tournament.

We got to the beach and registered the teams; the beach was full of volleyball players. We started playing in the tournament each team having rests and officiating games. It was clear that there was a whole mix of teams, some coming to win and some just playing for recreational purposes.

The first day of volleyball was fantastic and was a great experience; however, playing all day on the sand was very tiring.

The level of volleyball was great from all our teams even though some of the results didn’t show that unfortunately. It was obvious that everyone was enjoying themselves, which was great to see. After all the matches had finished the teams from Lincoln did exceptionally well with Lynx progressing through to the cup competition which is the first time this has happened, so congratulations to them. However, the other teams played awesome volleyball and gave 100%, their pools were extremely hard, with teams coming from all over eg Germany.

When everyone got back to the campsite the same happened as before, with some people getting food for the barbeques. But as usual master chef Browny insisted that he wanted to cook again. The food was good! There was also an award given out to the most impressive pose, it went to Browny for holding the logest EVER pose whilst digging. We played rounders, with a ridiculously big bat and then chilled waiting for the next day of volleyball.

Morning arrived, the team got prepared. Packed their bags ready to leave later on, and then off to the beach to play more volleyball. When we arrived it wasn’t as busy as yesterday because the cup was going to be played a bit later.

The other teams went into the plate competition, with NAD wanting to regain their title, from last year. The morning went quickly and even though the three teams all won, somehow they just missed out of progressing to the knock out rounds; but the day was good.

During the day off we went to get food from the fish and chip shop ready to watch the cup and Lynx play, to give them awesome support. We also had some delicious ice cream which Alex Hutchinson seemed to enjoy the most, considering he kept going back for more!!

We watched Lynx play some amazing beach volleyball, putting up a really good fight, however, they lost the first two matches which unfortunately meant they couldn’t progress, but they did dramatically win their final game taking it to “sudden death.” After that it suddenly started to chuck it down which made it really difficult to pack away. Browny and Leon couldn’t resist the sea, so after the rain stopped they went for a dip.

When we got back to the campsite we immediately packed away, then said bye to Paul, Nathan and Alex Wilkinson because they made their own way there, they also helpfully supplied a massive tent – thanks guys.

So we set off, very happy on how we had performed over the weekend. On the way home we stopped at a pub for a meal which was superb. During the meal everybody voted for the funniest thing that has happened in each team. In Cannons, Browny won for trying to kick the ball but went flying backwards, leaving the ball which didn’t move. John got the award for NAD for day dreaming while everyone was shouting at him to get the ball which was right next to him. Deans didn’t get one because most of the team had already gone. Lynx couldn’t think of one but they decided that Phil’s awesome receive won.

There was an award for John who won ‘shank of the day’. Finally, Browny decided to take on an ultimate “sharing for two” sundae which he had to himself; he did well only leaving two pieces of cake. Therefore, he had to forgo a forfeit.

Overall, it was a very successful weekend; it was a great experience for all. The team can’t wait until next year, so they can get into the cup competition and regain the plate.

After the instructions where given out, everyone went to get changed for the morning tournament. After about 10 minutes we were ready to play and the teams had been sorted out. The first games where being played with a good level of volleyball. But as the games progressed the atmosphere got more amusing, it started with Leon concentrating more on his dancing techniques than playing volleyball, which his team wasn’t too happy about.

At the same time but on the other court, Naz did a very dramatic and unorthodox dive to receive the ball but in the same instance, was somehow able to cut the side of his face. As Leon kept dancing, Emma was able to do some worse dancing. However, Emma did impress with some very good scoring.

As the tournament was coming to an end, the last set of games where being played. The weather was cloudy but it was mild and with very little wind which was almost perfect conditions for playing volleyball. On the other hand, Simon’s team did have the referee’s side with Leon making some very bias decisions. After the fun tournament had finished we decided to play some more games but with the Bridlington teams, preparing them for next Saturday, also because we had some extra time. The games were of a very good level which was a good sign for the Bridlington tournament.

After the mini tournament had been played everybody went to get changed ready for lunch and the award ceremony. As the Junior boys where getting dressed however, their changing room seemed to be infested with ants. So the bags had to be transported into reception.

Soon after everybody had got showered and dressed it was time for lunch, which the cooks in the kitchen had been working hard to get all the food ready for lunch while the tournament was being played.  They did an awesome job because the food was delicious.

As the food was being eaten, people where socialising and chatting, a very relaxed atmosphere! The food was great, even though Browny was able to drop a lemon and spill the coke. Also, as the pudding was being served many people’s eyes bulged, the chocolate cake looked absolutely magnificent! Donna had to be held back to ensure everyone got some. It also tasted fantastic, so a big thank you was made to the cooks.

Now for the awards ceremony, the first award was for the juniors, it was for the most improved player which went to Becks who was able to cope with the adult game and was looking to compete at regional level next year in the adult squad. The most committed player went to Alex Wilkinson for travelling great distances to matches and training, always volunteering and officiating and playing constantly throughout the season.

Next was the Deans team, the players’ player went to Aaron for winning 3 players’ player, with solid performances from a young performer. The coaches’ player went to Ed, he got 3 votes for improving greatly and consistently.

In addition, the Cannons team awards both went to Donna for receiving 4 players’ player votes with excellent performances and top class setting. She also won the coaches player with 3 votes because she can easily cope with the men’s game at a men’s height net, next season’s main Cannons setter seems to be on the cards.

Overall, the local league awards went to Donna for the MPV (Most Valuable Player) award, she received votes in 10 out of 14 matches with a total of 27 votes over 14 games (just under 2 votes per game). The second award went to Browny for the most consistent performer; he did well with an ever changing team and was able to provide quality setting to the team.

Furthermore, the Leopards award went to Isabell who played extremely well in the Nottingham tournament. On the other hand, the Lynx award went to Naz for receiving 5 players’ player votes for leading by example in his performances.

The regional league MVP went to Naz for receiving votes in 16 out of 17 matches, a total of 45 votes (2.5 votes per game). Moreover, the most consistent player went to Dave with solid performances with stability in crucial games.

Finally, the adult club awards, most improved player went to Helen, who had never played before this season and showed a great deal of potential. Most committed player went to Leon, he has used most of his holidays training and having to fit matches around work. Lastly, the special award went to Al for the ‘but why’ award, he had many set backs throughout the season and always asked ‘but why’ in training.

After the awards, Al had organised surprise events for the afternoon. But while the events where being prepared everybody chilled by either playing a bit of volleyball or by going on the bouncy castle. When everyone was playing volleyball people messed around by trying weird techniques or if you where Simon, by constantly heading the ball.

As the teams where being decided the events were also being described; the first event was a shuttle run race but you had to burst a balloon with your bum to signal that you have gone the distance.

In addition, the second event was a traditional egg and spoon race, the third event was a race which involved grabbing an item of clothing from the bouncy castle and putting it onto another team member. After this event the forth event was where you had to throw a small water bomb across a distance to the other team member to put it into a bucket and then the players switch, the most balloons in the bucket wins. Finally, the last event was the three legged race, however, after the events there was a forfeit to the loosing team.  This was not yet known what it was going to be.

The first event started with a great atmosphere from everybody, it had been a great day so far but it wasn’t over yet. The last leg of the shuttle run was upon us and in every attempt to not come last Browny goes full out to try and pop the balloon but instead he slides straight over it, by that time Ed’s team had lost the first event.

The egg and spoon race was next, once again a superb event which was enjoyed by everyone, except Naz’s team who had lost this event and bonus points because Naz already knowing that his team had lost, decided to throw the egg high and tried to catch it on the spoon which went terribly wrong. The third event was upon us and it was a very fun race considering one member of each team had to put pants on the following team member. Also, after the event Naz wedges John which was amusing.

Furthermore, the fourth event was thoroughly entertaining with a good demonstration by Naz and Al, with Al literally full pelt chucking a water bomb at Naz, obviously wasn’t the way to do it but everyone got the idea. After this event there was bound to be some water fights and there was. Alex Hutchinson throws a balloon at Al, which lead to Al chucking a bucket over him. After that Simon chucks water over Naz which Al gets Simon back with another bucket of water but for bonus points Phil catches Simon drenching him. Finally, John decides to get Naz even wetter but follows through with the bucket and cuts Naz’s hands open. The last event started, but without Naz because he had to put his hands back together; the three legged race was also fantastic but showed how many people where poor at this event.

As a result of the events Ed’s team lost which resulted in the forfeit, which was getting absolutely soaked with water bombs from second and third place. But first place got a bucket to chuck over Ed’s team. After the forfeit everything was tidied away.

Overall, this End of Season Bash was thoroughly fantastic; everyone can’t wait for next year’s End of Season Bash.

Thank you to everyone who was involved in organising it and to the club members for a great turn out.

Report By;

Alex Brown

They only lost 2 matches (one against the tournament winners) and won 3. The team performed to a high standard throughout and the behaviour was very professional.

The Academy should be extremely proud of themselfs, as i know the coaches and other members of the club and college are.

Congratulations!!!!

Navaz Sutton

they took teams like Loughborough Students all the way to the wire and competed to a good standard throughout the day.

this was a promising start and we look forward to the next event/league.

Navaz Sutton

Another good start to the set with Emma consistently serving the ball over which is putting Spalding under immense pressure after they failed to get their first serve in. A controlled three touch that wins Birchwood the point with a high accurate pass by James, which Emma produced an excellent set that was executed by Becks. Afterwards, Birchwood put even more pressure on Spalding by Becks serving five in a row which left the score at 13-4. Then followed by an awesome pass and spike from Ellie which gave another point to Birchwood. However, Spalding Juniors fought back with some good controlled play which enabled them to get six points back. But, once again Birchwood responded and they are now 7 points ahead, with the score at 21-17. A great finish to the end of the second set with great commitment and excellent serving from James. The second set finished 25-17 to Birchwood.

A shaky start to the third set by Birchwood, even though their three touch was good but they couldn’t seem to get the ball in the oppositions court. However, there was a very hard hit from James which gave confidence to the whole side. The first time out in the third set was called by Spalding, simply because they weren’t communicating; with the score at 12-6. However, the Birchwood team are having slight problems with the rotation and were not reacting to where they should have been. But an awesome three touch by Birchwood which started with a great pass from Ellie and set by Emma so James could spike it hard leaving the opposition no chance. With the score at 18-14 James tries to break the sports hall roof by desperately trying to get to the ball. The first time out was called by Birchwood because they started to loose points and therefore started to panic. Immediately after Birchwood started to improve with Amie hitting an awesome spike down the line, so a great time out called by the coach Chris Brown. Then Birchwood seemed to step up a gear and finished the match with a surprising score at 17-25, which was the same as the other two sets.   

In conclusion, Birchwood won the match 3-0, and for the first time as a team they played exceptionally well. However, there were still improvements to be made like getting the rotations right and trying to cut out some silly errors, for instance hitting the ball into the net and improve their communication at times. But that will only come with experience.

Alex Brown

Well done to all players within the Academy and Donna Lill (Academy Coach) in your efforts on the day and in training. Keep up the good work!!!!

Congratulations to Naz, Alex, Donna and John for winning the Plate Competition!!!!! It will have to be the Cup next year!!!!!

• East Midlands team finished mid table in their debut season

• Cannons got through to the Lincolnshire Cup final and finish 2nd in the three way battle

• Deans stamped their mark on Lincolnshire\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s Division II with only 2 defeats over the season, and finished 2nd in a very close contest for 1st place

Well done to all teams !!!!!

LETS NOW LOOK FORWARD TO THE SUMMER EVENTS

CANNONS on TOUR