Having visited the East, West and South in my previous visits, I headed North this week in the latest instalment of my “Meet me at the Net” venture … and when I say the North I really mean “The North”!!
RAF Kinloss in Morayshire was the venue for the Women’s Scottish Cup tie between North Grampian and Dundee. The ladies cup team were formed in 1999 and called Inverness Ladies which was made up of players who played in the mixed district league in North Grampian who wished to play women’s volleyball. 10 years on with a change of name they are basically the same group of ladies who have continued to enter the Scottish Cup. Although they are based in Forres they have players who live in Aviemore in the South, Tain in the North and Keith in the West. They have been successful during this time and won the Scottish Plate twice and also the Thistle Bowl.
There were a few familiar faces as I entered the hall. Derek Shepherd who previously Coached Bon Accord in the Men’s 1st Division is the Head Coach for the North Grampian team and also if anyone is wondering whatever happened to Scott Russell (Rusty) previously of Su Ragazzi and Kilmarnock, well he is alive and kicking up in Kinloss. Rusty plays for the Kinloss mixed District League team and has ambitions to enter a men’s team into the Scottish Cup next season.
The game itself was a tough challenge for North Grampian coming up against a team from Division 2 of the National League. Dundee took an early lead in the 1st set and continued to dominate and took the set 25-16. North Grampian were not going to give up their place in the Scottish Cup without a fight and came out all guns blazing in the 2nd with Anke Menzinger and Mary Smith coming up with some great attack plays..2nd set to North Grampian 25-16. The 3rd set was nip and tuck but with Kim Paterson’s consistent setting and drive North Grampian closed out the set 27-25. North Grampian got off to a great start in the 4th set and never let up. A great team performance brought the 4th set to a 25-12 finish to close out the match and take North Grampian into the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.
The MVP was given to Kay Paterson for her excellent setting and all round performance. Kim “where do you get all that energy from”??
Further to the discussion I had, the issues affecting the sport in North Grampian are the same as the rest of the country. There is however a strong local network of people who do a fantastic job in providing local competition and the aim will be to work closely with the North Grampian District volleyball Association to ensure that volleyball thrives in this beautiful part of the country.
If anyone would like any information on playing volleyball in North Grampian please contact either:
North Grampian Ladies Cup Team – Mary Smith
North Grampian District Volleyball Association – Debbie Skinner
Scottish Volleyball Association – Sandra Grubb
