Strood Foundation 1 vs 4 – MVC Quartz

The 15th of September 2024 saw MVC’s first club game, for the Quartz team in the KCVA Official Foundation League.

The league is designed as a way to get people into playing competitively, and is often seen as a stepping stone between beginners and the more formal leagues. With the current amount of demand though, it is often more than just a friendly league, with players looking to impress and learn, whilst of course having fun.

The venue, Thinking Fitness at Holcombe school in Chatham is Strood’s new home for a few seasons now. Plenty of free on site parking, easy to access. But, comes with the “Beam of Death”. A ceiling support beam that looms over one end of the court like a dark cloud on a sunny day at the park…. beware the beam!!!!

The Quartz team was made up of 7 players (with a cameo sub from our very on own Onyx team and last seasons impressive Quartz coach Ben).

• Jorden (Captain)
• Charlie (MVP)
• Brenden
• Jonathon
• Milly
• Callum
• Ben

Jorden, Charlie and Callum competed last year for Quartz, and are looking to move into Onyx this season, but for the others, this was their first ever indoor structured game, with only a few weeks of training under them.

Lewis was coaching this mixed team and decided to run a very simple rotational setting system formation, as opposed to Strood who seemed to be running a 5-1 rotation mainly.

Set 1

Quartz won the toss, and elected to serve first, with Strood choosing ends, so as not to have the “beam of death” on their side.

Callum playing in shirt 22 lead the serving, and it was first point to MVC! The scores were quite even through the first rotation of serves, as players were adjusting to the game and finding their feet. After both teams had served, scores were sitting at 9-7 in MVC favour.

Quartz managed to always stay in the lead, with some exception pick-ups by Jorden leading the way for the rest of the team to follow.

A similar approach for the rest of the set ensued, with the final score being after a tie break, 26-24 to Quartz.

Set 2

Set 2 saw Quartz on the preferred end with more clearance, and the exact same starting rotation as the 1st set. Strood were lead the serving this time, but the momentum from the set, Quartz managed to get he first point again.

With some very consistent serving from Milly, Quartz managed to get a 2 point lead, and extended again on the second round of serving.

Strood maintained within reach, with some exceptional play, but unlike the 1st set, they were unable to bring the scores to within the 2 points required for the last few servers, with a more confident set win of 25-21 to Quartz.

Set 3

Set 3, match set potentially, and the beam of death… this was nothing the Quartz team, as by the time all players had finished the first of serving, Quartz were leading Strood 10-5.

That is when experience was needed for Strood, and with a cool head and encouragement, Paula ‘Pops’ was the first sub of the day, managing to bring Strood back up to within 2 points.

The scores were now at 11-9 in Quartz favour, meaning Quartz had scored only 1 point while Strood scored 4.

Quartz were forced to make substitution at 15-11

This momentum swing for Strood saw them keep on track, catch and draw level at 24-24. A great effort from Strood number 48 in the set especially, never giving up helping Strood to cement the lead. Quartz fought hard to get to a lead of 25-24, but Strood took the next 3 points, including two very good serves from their number 73, and they managed to take the 3rd set 27-25.

Set 4

So, the home team now had the momentum advantage, and had perhaps seen what they needed to do to turn things around, hoping for a 5 set victory.

The pre-set team talk for Quartz was based around them believing, and showing what they can do. Well, the whole team took note, with a standout pass, set and immense spike from Brenden, that took everyone by surprise!

As they had done every set, Quartz took the first point from Strood serve, neutralising the momentum Strood took from the previous set.

Score remained close for the next 3 servers, as they had done the whole game. But then came Charlie, fresh from resting his back with some great service pressure, helping Quartz take a 5 point lead for the second time in the match. Strood Paula again helped to bring scores closer, reducing to 2 point deficit for the team in red.

Then another forced substitution was need for Quartz, with Milly pushing hard to defend at the net and landing awkwardly, Lewis did not want to risk further injury, and substituted Ben back on for the second time.

Ben does play in KCVA Div 1 Men’s competition, so was instructed with the task of playing controlled, show casing his passing & team work abilities above the potential for blocking and spiking.

Led by the ever present and resourceful captain Jorden – and the growing confidence and skills of Brenden and Jonathon – Quartz managed to bring them selves 5 points clear again at 20-15, which triggered the time out from Strood.

What ever Mirja – the Strood coach – said during the time out worked a treat. Strood had pulled back 5 points , again with the attacking serve from Strood number 73, with Quartz managing to side out at 23-20 in their favour.

Things looked set for another tie-break in this closely fought game, but Strood were just not able to break into the 2 point advantage Quartz had to force the issue and apply the pressure.

Quartz kept the score board ticking over for the next few servers, before finally winning the 4th set 25-21.

Conclusion

The game really showed what the Foundation league is about, with many players across both teams enjoying one of their first match experiences. There were some great rallies, some clinical serves and attacks, and some great chasing and diving to save points.

As it always is against Strood, both teams showed a great team spirit towards themselves, their opponents, and the officials who give up their time to help.

A special note to Mirja, who manged to multitask both coaching and assisting the scorer at the same time, not an easy task at all!

When asked, Quartz captain (and the Club’s Chairman and Welfare officer….) Jorden responded:

“The excitement and joy of volleyball was palpable in today’s game. Great work everyone, we can only continue to improve…”

The final scores were Quartz 3 – Strood 1 ( 26:24; 25:21, 25:27, 25:21).

After just under 2 hours of close fought volleyball, special mentioned to Strood number 48 Robert, and Quartz number 8 Charlie, who their opponents voted as the MVP (most valuable player).

Thank you to Strood for hosting, we look forward to welcoming you to our venue for the return leg.