Today saw City of Edinburgh Men’s team start their adventure into the CEV Challenge Cup.
It is the first time in the Club’s 20 year history that they have ventured into European competition, in fact it’s been a while since a Scottish Men’s team last competed in the competition.
The timing of the venture could not be better timed, with the club recently winning the Sportscotland Local Club of the year award. The men’s team will be looking to keep the positive momentum within the club by putting in a performance to be proud of.
The opposition for this historic 3rd round tie, is a formidable one. TIF Viking Bergen topped the league during the regular season in Norway as well as claiming the title of the best club team in Scandanavia, when they won the NEVZA Club Championships.
With Bergen’s roster filled with Norweigen Internationals and the ability to put out a starting 6 of players all above 2m tall, it’s evident that the experience of seasoned Scotland Internationals Daniel Traylor, Michael Penny & captain Niall Collin will be key to ability of the team to compete.
Despite being huge underdog’s City of Edinburgh Head Coach Ally Jack said, ‘It’s an exciting step for the club as well as Scottish volleyball. We are Looking forward to testing ourselves on the European stage.’
The match is scheduled for 1800 GMT on Wednesday. Just to put in the work to be in a place to compete in the competition is an magnificient achievement. Hopefully a good performance in Bergen will breed confidence for the young side ahead of the 2nd leg.
You can follow the teams progress via CEV website – HERE
Oriam will host the 2nd leg on Wednesday 21st December 2016 as Edinburgh hosts Viking Bergen. You can purchase tickets for the Home Leg direct via the club HERE.
