England value Novotel Cup experiences

Both the men and the women faced strong opposition from hosts Luxembourg and young sides from Germany. 

The tournament took place at the same time (3rd to 5th January) as other England team’s competed on home courts at the Five Nations Championships at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering. 

The men’s first match paired them with Luxembourg, where they were beaten in straight sets, the third in agonising fashion, as they went down 25-17, 25-17, 32-30. 

But the team then bounced back by defeating the young Germans, 32-30, 27-25, 36-24, winning each set of a very tight match by just two points. 

Jefferson Williams, who was England’s Head Coach for the trip, was pleased with the development he saw from his players.  

“We went to the Novotel tournament with a combination of younger players and first team players who were outside the starting six to seven, with Cameron Rhodes being the exception,” he said. 

“The aim was to give this group the chance to gain experience at a level higher than our DYNAMIK Men’s Super League. 

“The big positive was the play the team produced in the last four sets that they played. They showed grit, flair, and determination, saving match and set point across these sets.  

“We expected leadership from the senior players, and they delivered. The players showed that they could execute the match plan that the coaching staff prepared, knowing that they had the freedom to express themselves in a responsible manner. 

“I’d like to make special mention to Thomas Jefferson and Cameron Rhodes, as their leadership of the group was instrumental in the successful 3-0 win against the Germany youngsters. 

“We saw players growing in confidence across the tour, understanding their roles within the group, and learning to accept responsibility for their actions.” 

The England women also experienced one victory and one loss in their Novotel Cup matches. 

First up, they faced a young Germany side where a five-set thriller kept the nerves jangling to the end. 

England forged into a 2-0 sets lead, winning the first and second 25-17, 25-20, but their opponents hit back to take the next two 25-22, 25-19. 

The tie-break decider was a close-run thing before England came through to edge it 15-13. 

Luxembourg were England’s other opponents and proved to be too strong, running out 25-17, 25-18, 25-19 victors. 

England's Alice brand said: “It was a great competition for us to develop as a team, and we are excited about the future opportunities.” 

Images by volleyball.lu - Francis Manderscheid