North East Regional Volleyball was played at The Saltire Centre Arbroath last 
weekend when home side Arbroath took on Bon Accord in the first game of the Mens season.
It was a good steady start by both teams, trading points at the net and battling hard to find an opening in each others defence. With the score at 13-13 a number of successful hits through the middle by Colin McEvoy gave
Arbroath a small lead. Petr Kolomasnik was also hitting form now and managing to avoid the Bon Accord block. The home sides lead steadily increased to take the set 25-19.
The second set continued in the same manner with the Mearns side struggling to cope with Arbroath outside hitters, Janis Bubnelis and Steve Skilbeck, now playing with confidence and finding the court with more regularity.
Although Bon Accord were scoring with some powerful outside hits, serve receive and middle hitting errors let them down in the end with Arbroath taking the set 25-12.
Veteran Billy Niesh and new signing Peter Ondris were introduced for Arbroath in set three. This change of line up seemed to unsettle Arbroath and Bon Accord took full advantage to take an early lead. Coach, Steve Milne had his young team playing with confidence now, finding the gaps in Arbroaths defence and picking up everything that came across the net. Despite a late Arbroath fight back, Bon Accord won the third set 25-23.
For the final set, Coach Lorna Christie brought back Bob Thomson and Peter Kolomaznik to stabilise the Arbroath attack. Renewed focus and determination were evident now as Arbroath surged to an early lead. The Bon Accord serve receive struggled with the Thomson serve for six straight points and despite some spirited defending and excellent play at the net, they lost the set and match 25-16.
It was an uncharacteristic strong start by Arbroath, who maintained focus, determination and team spirit throughout to come out match winners. With praise due to Steve Milnes talented young Bon Accord side, who played some great volleyball and ‘never give up’ attitude making it a memorable night.
