Date: 4th November 2007
Venue: Beacon Community centre, Crowborough
Match 1 vs Reading Aces
Result: NVL SUSSEX Dolphin Ladies beat Reading Aces: 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-7)
Sussex dominated against a Reading side, that on paper, stood to perform well in this years league. Dolphins started strongly and maintained the momentum in the first set with good hitting by Vicky Sarfield. Reading came back into the second set after Sussex sat back and let Reading into the game. The result was never in doubt however and some assured passing set up the attacks to take the set.
New signings Elln Skagerberg and Anja Berglund started for the club in set 3 and both had solid debuts with Elln, the 5'11'' outside hitter decimating the Reading defence hitting over the block. Sussex took the third set comfortably to win the match.
Sussex Player of the Match – Vicky Sarsfield
Match 2 vs Tonbridge
Result: Sussex Dolphins lost to Tonbridge: 3-0 (19-25, 15-25, 24-26)
Sussex started well against an accomplished, well drilled Tonbridge side with the first half of the set going point for point. Some solid line hitting by Tonbridge became too much for the Sussex side to contend with and at 18-22 down, Sussex let Tonbridge edge them out to take the first set. Coach Jason Lock rang the changes for the second set but poor service receive and poor passing took away the attacking platform Sussex needed.
Some strong three-man blocking on new hitter Elln Skagerburg at the end of set 2 meant Sussex lost their grip on the set and folded. The final set further changes were made. Despite continued passing and cover errors Sussex fought hard and had a 24-22 lead with one point needed to take the set. Sadly the team failed to capitalise and Tonbridge edged back in to take the final set 26-24 and the match. However Sussex should be encouraged by their play with new players who have added to the strength of the squad and with further work and training the team can go from strength to strength.
Sussex Player of the Match – Elln Skagerburg
Sussex Dolphins Squad: V. Sarsfield, T. Bateman, S. Appleton, S. Wood, M. Carrpacquay, J.Phillippo-Nevill,
- Skagerburg, A. Berglund
Coach: J. Lock
