06/07 Season
Date: Sunday 29th October 2006

Plymouth vs Milton Keynes
Score: 2-3 Loss (20-25 16-25 25-23 25-22 15-8)

Bristol 2 vs Milton Keynes
Score: 1-3 Loss (21-25 25-20 25-18 25-17)

Just not enough...
The weekend saw the first double header of MK's season, with MK playing Plymouth and Bristol 2. The team knew it would be tough, but they really wanted to record their first victory of the season to try and launch into a winning run. However, it was not meant to be, as MK self destructed in the face of a poor refereeing performance. This is no excuse, and if there was one lesson leant from the weekend, it was that MK need to start beating the opposition as opposed to fighting with the referees, regardless of the decisions made.

The first game started very well for MK who took an early 2 set lead, winning the first two sets 25-20 and 25-16 against Plymouth. MK knew that Plymouth would fight back, having watched them narrowly lose in 5 sets against Bristol 2 earlier after having been 2 sets down. But this didn't stop Plymouth from doing it again! MK tried to close out the match, but Plymouth came back strong taking the next two sets 23-25 and 22-25 in a closely fought affair. This set up a deciding 5th set - Plymouth had the momentum, but could MK turn this around to record their first win? The answer is no! Plymouth were in the ascendancy and pushed forward to take an early lead in the 5th set which MK were unable to turn around. The set was lost 8-15, seeing Plymouth taking the match 2-3 in yet another 5 set thriller from MK.

Seeing Bristol 2 beating Plymouth earlier in the day, MK knew that their second match would be tough. Bristol 2 were well organised and had strong hitters that MK had to try and deal with at the net. MK were fastest out of the blocks in the first set, taking the set 25-21. Further "discussions" with the referees distracted MK, and that combined with fatigue setting in was enough for MK to wither in the subsequent sets. Bristol 2 regrouped and came out fighting in the 2nd set and took it 20-25. MK had nothing left to give and despite some tired battling, Bristol 2 won the next 2 sets by 18-25 and 17-25 to take the match 1-3.

It was a disappointing day for Milton Keynes, most of all by their reaction to certain incidents throughout the day. In future MK must start focussing on their own game if they are to be successful. Taking nothing away from MK's opponents, who were well organised and deserved winners on the day.

Next match(es): Sunday 26th November versus Reading University and Guildford International from 12:30, at the home venue of Moulton Sports Centre, Northampton.

Team: Matt Almond, Colin Brown, Nigel Collins, Dave Goddard, Matt Gough, Scott Robson, Nishi Saran, Kevin Smith, Andreas Whitley & Coach Karen Smith

MKVC not only supports National and Local League volleyball, but also offers training and recreational volleyball to all levels of players from beginners to veterans.

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