The girls competition took place at Heriot-Watt University with a great mixture on display as teams travelled from Ayrshire and Aberdeen to compete in the tournament.
Marr College A and North Lanarkshire Ragazzi went into the competition as favourites having contested the Junior National League final back in December. Both teams cruised through their pools with relative comfort to book their places in the semi-finals.
A great debut performance from Aberdeen Grammar School saw them recover from a 25-9 1st set loss to take the 2nd set 26-24 and set-up a winner takes all set for a place in the semi-finals. Marr College B’s exposure to the regular JNL season put them in good stead as they ran out 15-7 winners.
The highlight of the day was the enthusiasm and the shear noise that was being created by the new entrants. Both teams were fighting for every point and they let everyone in the gym know each time they won one it was very refreshing to see.
The semi-finals saw Marr College overcome Marr College B. NL Ragazzi took on City of Edinburgh in the other semi-final. NL Ragazzi managed to gain early dominance in both sets with strong serving from Gill and Scouller. City of Edinburgh fought hard but were unable to claw back the deficit.
The last games of the day saw AGS take on NUVOC on court 1
and an intra-squad scrimmage match for the Under 19 natioanl team on Court 2.
Aberdeen looked the stronger side from the start of the match, however, Cavalry Park NUVOC, who were enthusiastically backed-up by their coaching staff and a strong contingent in the stands, started putting together pieces of the 3-touch game narrowly losing the set 25-21.
Set 2 saw both teams lift the roof as the scoreboard clocked 22-22, 24-24, 26-36, before Aberdeen Grammar School
Congratulations to all teams who took part and made such a brilliant atmosphere in the sports hall.
Perth, ahead of the Women’s European International in June, was the venue for the U18 boys Super Cup Qualification tournament.
Unfortunately due to various circumstances new teams were unable to join the JNL league regulars for the competition, however, what was lacking in numbers and new enthusiasm was made up for through the quality of play.
Cavalry Park NUVOC continued to improve after their 2nd year of competing in the JNL, with some great volleyball, falling just short of turning their good play into the points they deserve.
The table was delicately poised going into the last game after Team Lanarkshire beat South Ayrshire 2-0 (25-22, 25-15) and City of Edinburgh overcame Team Lanarkshire 2-0 (25-12, 25-18.) City of Edinburgh had to avoid a heavy defeat to ensure qualification for the final and a 2-0 South victory would send South Ayrshire and City of Edinburgh through to the final in place of Team Lanarkshire.
Edinburgh were edging the first set in a intense 1st set when South Ayrshire’s Chris Taylor went over with a bad ankle injury. With no substitutes this unfortunately meant the end of the match and the tournament. We all wish Chris a speedy recovery.
Many Thanks to Nora Gonzalez who ran the Boys Super Cup at Perth and to all the referees across both venues.
The Junior Super Cup finals will take place during FINALS WEEKEND at Wishaw Sports Centre on Sunday 27th April 2014.
| Boys Super Cup Final | City of Edinburgh | vs. | Team Lanarkshire |
| Girls Super Cup Final | Marr College | vs. | North Lanarkshire Ragazi |
Graeme Spowart
Club & Participation Development Officer