Aker BP Sit Cup 2026 (21st and 22nd March) - Panthers edge out Casualties to clinch winners' trophy

The regular competitors at the Volleyball England Sitting Grand Prix both reached the final, with Panthers going on to win the whole tournament.

Justin Phillips, a player from the Panthers who is also Head Coach for GB women, was extremely happy with the outcome, as well as how his team played. 

"The tournament in Norway was a fantastic experience for the Panthers, and we were really pleased to come away with the gold medal and trophy," he said. 

Panthers played six matches across the tournament before taking on familar oppoisition in the shape of casualties in the final.

Phillips added: "There was strong competition with some very good international and club sides, so to finish top was a great achievement for the group."

Panthers were got off to a flying start during their first match, beating Norge Rød Kvinner 2-0 (25-3, 25-16). 

The English teams then met for the first of the two face-offs and, on this occasion, Nottingham Causalties won 2-0 (25-6, 25-12). 

Perhaps because of a knock to their confidence they also lost their next match against the home team, KFUM Stavanger, going down 25-15, 26-24. 

Nottingham Casualties also found it far from plain sailing as they, too, were defeated by the the home team 2-0. 

The semi-finals and finals took place on Sunday, with both English teams competing ito reach the final. 

Nottingham Causalties faced Norge Rød Kvinner, winning comfortably 2-0 (25-20, 25-21), while Panthers faced a rematch with the hosts. 

Following their previous loss, the Panthers worked well as a team and after after being edged out in the first set 25-23, the team turned it around to win 2-1 (23-25, 25-19, 15-13) in a nailbiting decider.

"We had to work hard in a number of matches, but the way everyone stayed composed and supported each ohter made a big difference. It felt like everything started to come together for us on court, particularly in the latter stages," said Justin.

The final took place on Sunday afternoon, with the battle of the Brits deciding who took home the gold medal. 

After some thrilling and mesmerising volleyball, it was the Panthers who clinched the winners' trophy, talking the first set 25-21 and nicking a tight second 25-23. 

Reflecting on the tournament, Justin felt the tournament was an incredibly rewarding and added: "Being part of a team that not only competed well but ultimately won the tournament was a proud moment. 

"The experience has definitely given us confidence moving forward and something really positive to build on." 

Photos taken from KFUM Stavanger International Sit Cup Facebook page, by Trine Nessler Wichmann (@tnwfoto_sportsphoto).

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