The SVA National Cup Finals Extravaganza
Scottish Volleyball would without a shadow of a doubt wish to thank all those of volunteered, participated and contributed to what was a fabulous two days at our National Cup Finals at Wishaw Sport Centre.
The atmosphere was electric with all 16 teams giving their utmost to perform and succeed. With winners and runner up’s equally sharing the enthusiasm of their event and relishing in the applause of the crowd. Over the two days we had 600 friends, family and supporters clap, shout and enjoy their way through 8 National Final’s.
Our new SVA sponsor Gerflor in partnership with our other sponsors Schelede Sports, Redbull, Mikasa and North Lanarkshire council helped to created a wonderful environment, which allowed all to bring to our own Taraflex court a whirlwind of success and commitment.
On Friday as the teams and officials were mentally rehearsing for their big match the SVA Special Events Team, SVA photographers, Gerflor technicians, Centre staff and SVA professional staff were busy laying the court and preparing the hall. It was a physically tough day but held so much pleasure as we walked into the hall on the Saturday morning and saw the endeavours of our hard work.
The teams and officials were delighted with the finished affect and I truly believe that the standard of Volleyball given over the two days was significantly increased as people played up and beyond what they had expected of themselves.
This weekend was not just about the matches. This season Scottish volleyball is celebrating 40 years as an Independent Association and to commemorate this we acknowledged volunteers and staff who have significantly developed and enhanced the growth of our sport. There were also presentations for the Hannah Scott Junior MVP and the Finalwhistlemedia MVP of the year awards season 2008/9. (Full details of all awards winners will be announced on our web site this coming week).
Also this weekend the Referees Commission ran an Olympic 2012 Officials Training Course. Participants in this course were given the chance to actively participate in the live games.
Another achievement came through the involvement of BBC Scotland’s interest in the Men’s Cup Final. BBC Sports Monthly interviewed both Alistair Galloway from City of Glasgow Ragazzi and Barry McGuigan of City of Edinburgh Club and the production crew filmed the whole of the match. An edited section of the match and the interviews can be seen on BBC Scotland over the new few weeks with further details to be given on our web site in the coming days.
A full match report of both the Men and Women’s Senior Cup Finals has been written by Roddy McKenzie and will appear on this site shortly. If any other club, player, coach, enthusiast would like to write an article for the SVA web site please send us an email.
Results:
Scottish Cup finals:
Men: City of Edinburgh 1 City of Glasgow Ragazzi 3 (23-25 25-22 17-25 19-25);
Women: Troon PA 3 Team Edinburgh 1 (25-18 25-22 21-25 25-20)
Plate:
Men: Kilmarnock II 1 Dundee 3 (25-13 22-25 22-25 22-25);
Women: North Grampian 3 Pentland NUVOC 1 (23-25 27-25 25-22 25-18)
Thistle Bowl:
Men: Bon Accord 3 Team Fife 2 (20-25 23-25 26-24 25-18 15-8);
Women: Dundee University 1 Glasgow Mets 3 (25-16 7-25 12-25 16-25)
Junior National League:
Men: South Ayrshire 2 Glasgow Mets 0 (26-24 25-22);
Women: Belmont Academy 2 South Ayrshire 1 (25-11 18-25 15-10)
I personally would like to thank our sponsors, Wishaw Sport Centre, North Lanarkshire Council, the Special Events, Referees, and Competitions Commission, the professional staff of the Association, our President Colin McGinlay and SVA Board, all players, coaches, clubs and volunteers for what was an outstanding and truly memorable weekend.
Well done and thank you.
Margaret Ann Fleming,
Chief Executive Officer
Photographs – © Lynne Marshall & Michael McConville
