Boswells spoil Richmond party at second Grand Prix of U18 Super Series

The London club had won both the boys and girls’ sections in the first edition of the event in early October. 

But there was to be no repeat clean sweep as although the Blues won the boys section, their girls were defeated in their own final match by Darren Lewis’ resurgent side. 

The Essex-based team had finished in fifth spot last time out, but showed they are much-improved since then and set their stall out in their first match by beating Nottingham Rockets, who had previously finished third,  by a 25-15, 25-11 margin. 

 

 

Their second match paired them with Leeds Gorse Orange and they gained sweet revenge for defeat in the first Grand Prix by securing a 25-8, 25-20 success. 

That set up the battle for first and second with familiar foes Richmond and while they were pushed harder than in their previous matches, they were always in command in recording a 25-20, 25-20 victory. 

Behind those two teams, Malory Eagles (pictured top) enjoyed a spectacular Grand Prix following their promotion from the Gold Pool. 

They first triumphed over Urmston Grammar (27-25, 25-21) to underline their intentions and, though they were beaten by Richmond (2512, 25-17) in their second match, they came back strongly to beat Leeds 25-16, 25-10) in the bronze match. 

In the battle for fifth and sixth, the Rockets prevailed 25-20, 25-13 against Black Country, who had earlier bounced back from a set down to beat Urmston Grammar 2-1 (13-25, 25-23, 15-12) to relegate the Greater Manchester side. 

Having won promotion for this Grand Prix, Taunton went into their final game knowing they would be returning from whence they came after two determined performances ended in defeat to Leeds (22-25, 25-12, 15-8) and Nottingham (25-19, 22-25, 15-8).  

However, they ensured they ended on a high and showed they could soon be back – and stronger – be defeating Urmston (25-20, 25-13) in straight sets in the seventh / eighth place match. 

In the boys’ section, Richmond may have stayed on top – just as they were in October – but they were made to work hard for it in their final match against The Boswells School.  

A brilliant first set from those wearing read saw them claim it 25-19 and bring one or too nervous looks from the Richmond supporters. 

But their team came powering back to level, taking the second set 25-14, and then also taking the decider in convincing fashion (15-8). 

The bronze match paired Leeds Gorse Orange, who beat Liverpool 25-15, 25-16 in their opener before losing their second match to Boswells 26-24, 25-20, with AST Academy, who edged out Urmston Grammar in three sets (24-26, 26-24, 15-11) and then lost to Richmond (25-16, 25-6). 

The London-based side put the pressure on their West Yorkshire opponents in the first set, only for the latter to edge it 25-23 and a more comfortable second set (25-16) followed.

Urmston met Newcastle Staffs in the fifth versus sixth match, the latter being edged out 19-17 in the third set by Boswells before beating Liverpool. 

It proved to be a simple enough win for the West Midlands side as they ran out 25-17, 25-20 victors. 

Exeter Storm and Liverpool both knew going into their meeting for seventh and eighth that they would both be relegated for the next Super Series Grand Prix. 

However, it did not prevent an entertaining final match being played out by both sides as Liverpool took the first set 25-13, only for Storm to storm back and take the second and third sets 25-17, 25-11 and, with it, the match. 

Images by Avery Baxter 

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