Volley Ball
The Iffley Road gym was treated to a dominating display by the Oxford Volleyball team as they faced Brookes in a charged match. The last time the teams met Oxford were left disappointed after a closely fought battle went in favour of the visitors, however it was not the case this time. The match was also important for positioning for the play-offs to be held in Loughborough later this year, and saw Oxford retain their position above Brookes.
The first set was close and it wasn't until the last passages of play that the Oxford team began to assert some authority upon the set. Brookes were ahead for a large proportion, but Oxford fought back to win the set 25-22. A confident and superior display by the Oxford team resulted in a fairly easy second set win. Brookes were making silly unforced errors and putting pressure upon themselves when it really wasn't necessary. Players were beginning to become frustrated and it really became a monopoly of play from the Oxford side, evident in the final 25-11 score. Ben Collier, the Oxford Captain, was instrumental in keeping the focus of his players through enthusiastic shouts of encouragement during the game; in contrast Roberto Marcucci (Brookes Captain) remained silent. The third set was the highlight of the game, full of breathtaking volleys and fantastic individual efforts from both sides. Brookes finally found their form and came back to really test the Oxford team for precision and skill. They came from behind and managed to snatch the set from Oxford in a 26-24 final score. This could have been a turning point for the Brookes team if Oxford had let their heads drop but credit to the team, they came out fighting, and obliterated the Brookes side 25-8 in the final set. This was a convincing display by the Oxford team and found Brookes wanting in reply. Brian Ball, for Oxford, had a great game, was instrumental in setting the ball for others and using his powerful smash. Ben Collier commented on the game, "After losing last time to Brookes it was great to destroy them in the return". It was truly a destruction of a good team by one, who evidently wanted it more.
19th Feb 2004