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Sitting Grand Prix review: Bucks make it four from four
The Bucks were in imperious form in the four-strong Tier 1 section, securing victory in straight sets in all four of their matches, played at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering.
As has increasingly been the case as the season has worn on, it was South Hants A who emerged to finish as runners-up after losing 25-22, 25-18 to the table toppers.
They clinched a crucial win over Salisbury Spitfires, who finished third, in convincing fashion, taking the match 25-10, 25-16.
The Wiltshire Club featured in one of the most keenly-contested matches of the day against Help For Heroes A, which went to three sets.
Salisbury edged a very tight first set 25-23, but the Heroes bounced back quickly to square the match and go to a decider, winning the second set 25-17.
Both sides would have fancied their chances of netting the victory from that point, but it was the Spitfires who completed the job, taking the final set 15-8.
It was a case of so near yet so far for Help For Heroes as they lost another three setter against South Hants.
The eventual winners looked in control as they wrapped up the opener 25-11, but the Heroes had other ideas and squared the match by battling to a 25-23 second set success.
However, they could not keep that momentum going and Hants took the decider 15-9, with the three defeats, consigning Help For Heroes to Tier 1 relegation.
They will be replaced by Nottingham Casualties, who secured a 100% record in Tier 2 to clinch promotion back to the top flight.
They were pushed all the way by Lincoln Imps, however, in a match that could hardly have been tighter before the Casualties prevailed 26-24, 27-25.
The East Midlands side’s victories over Panthers and the guest Invictus team – who will travel to represent Team UK at the Invictus Games in Vancouver in February – were far more comfortable.
Imps finished second in the group after clinching a vital three-set success over Invictus, who got in some valuable match practice ahead of their trip to Canada.
The two teams exchanged the first two sets (25-12, 17-25) before the more experienced Lincoln side pulled away in the final set (15-5).
Invictus were able to record a victory in their maiden Grand Prix competition as they, ensuring they finished third with a straight sets triumph over Panthers.
The first set proved to be pivotal and, after Invictus took it 26-24, they were able to close out the match with a 25-14 success in the second set.
In the race to reach the Last 4, Sitting Bucks lead the way with 80 points, with Help For Heroes A (66) second and Salisbury Spitfires and South Hants A joint third (62).
Nottingham Casualties are currently just outside that top group with 44 points in fifth.
The next Sitting Grand Prix is on Saturday 1st February.
Find out more about the Sitting Grand Prix by clicking here.
