Volleyball Competition

Always one of the best supported competitions of the session, the volleyball was held at Ballylinney on Thurs 5th November. 1st Ballylinney have been dominant in this competition in recent years, winning the last six in a row.

Eight teams took part in the competition, representing 6 companies. 1st Ballylinney and 1st Raloo, beaten finalists in the last two years, looked the best teams on show, winning all their group games.

In group A 1st Ballyclare gave 1st Ballylinney an early scare, coming close to an upset but coming up just short. 8th Carrick played 1st Ballyclare in the final group game with the winner progressing to the semi finals. This was a gripping game, with extra points required to find the winner. In the end, 1st Ballyclare sneaked through but 8th Carrick's young team will do well in future years.

In group B, 1st Raloo won all their games, with only 1st Larne putting up any sort of fight. Both these teams progressed to the semi finals.

The first semi final was 1st Raloo against 1st Ballyclare. Although Ballyclare made it a good match, the superior team progressed, Raloo making their third final in a row.

The other semi final was 1st Larne against 1st Ballylinney. 1st Larne had the disadvantage all night of only having 5 players but the five players they had were very good. Unfortunately for them, not good enough to beat 1st Ballylinney.

The tension before and during the final was tangible. Both teams really wanted the victory and went all out to try and achieve it. It was a final of high quality. 1st Raloo emerged as winners, ending the impressive run of 1st Ballylinney.

Well done 1st Raloo. A great victory after a great evening's volleyball.