Herculean feats at the Student Cup Finals in Leeds

With only six players, Reading University men’s team would have to perform Herculean feats at the Student Cup Finals in Leeds. And that it exactly what they did in one of the biggest student volleyball championships with the top 16 teams in all of the UK and Ireland competing for the coveted title.

The team were in for one tough weekend, but with the enthusiastic support of its quite considerable entourage were determined to perform. The men’s team were driven to make a mark and establish themselves as a team to beat. Having already defeated Oxford, one of the favourites, already this season, the team has shown great spirit and potential.

The baptism of fire into RUVC’s debut in the Student Cup came with no less than Sheffield Hallam, a university with a very successful scholarship scheme and a squad that boasts full senior England internationals. Yet still this did not phase the Reading boys, itself boasting players of international calibre; Alexandros Constantinou (Cyprus) and Peter Wanyonje (Kenya).

Reading began slowly as has become custom this season, but did not take long to take a surprise lead. Hallam, a very well organised team with some powerful hitters, just had no answer to the unique quick tempo-style of Reading. Italian setter Emanuel Balsamo was opening up the court, always keeping the opposition guessing and freeing up the court for outside hitters Constantinou and dynamic Frenchman Deni Lejeune to power through the Hallam block. Some monster blocking by Wanyonje, coupled with some excellent movement by middle hitters Tom Jones and Japanese giant Ryan Jones, who was causing all sorts of havoc with his deft dinks and quick arm.

Having taken the first set, there was the danger that the occasion would get to the Reading players. Yet this could not be further from the truth. Reading grew in confidence as Hallam had to step up their own game. An enthralling duel ensued, with both teams matching each other point for point. The high drama attracted one of the biggest crowds of the weekend as spectators were glued to the action in to what would turn out to be one of the major upsets in UK universities volleyball (for everyone except the Reading camp). Hallam pulled through with some questionable refereeing decisions but instead of folding Reading showed great team spirit in starting out of the blocks quickest in the deciding tie-breaker set. They amassed an unassailable lead through some awesome team work. And that can not be underestimated. Six brothers fighting for each other and the reputation of Reading University. Individually, everyone was in the zone. Some giant hits by Cypriot Constantinou and intelligent play by, the experienced genius that is, Wanyonje closed the game to jubilant scenes. Another epic performance by this very talented team.

Reading now had to make sure they beat Durham University to ensure qualification to the quarter-finals. Durham presented a threat but nothing that an-all round professional display would negate. Reading won convincingly with a 2-0 scoreline. They could even afford a club debut to RUVC President Nickolaos Kritsilis to rest veteran Wanyonje. The Greek giant played very well, even though he has never played a game of volleyball before!

Despite Kent ladies insisting on Reading’s appearance at the social that evening at Creation nightclub, Head Coach Rob McMenamin wanted his players in top condition for the following day’s games. So instead of staying till three, everyone was in the hotel by twelve.

The quarter-final was disappointing as far as Reading were concerned. They had an unfavourable draw against University of London, which is a federation of all the London Universities so they can pool from like a million students! They are very good, and they went on to win the whole thing quite convincingly. Yet as a testament to McMenamin’s development of the squad, the ambition is there to surpass ULU and that is achievable with some fine tuning.

Reading now focused their attention to the playoffs for positions 5 to 8 in the UK and Ireland. In this mini-tournament, they encountered the mighty Loughborough and their distinguished reputation. Yet, there is a lot of bad blood between the clubs due to certain events from last season too painful to mention. There was no love lost in this fierce encounter, with the obligatory argy-bargy. Yet, Reading just spanked them silly, 2-0! In what was a quick game Reading just raced ahead. They were truly in the zone and focused on defeating then enemy. A monster block by superstar playmaker, Emanuel Balsamo, solid serving from the quality Englishman Tom Jones, and yet more top-class power hitting from the outside hitters saw Reading through. You should have seen the look on Lufbra’s faces at the end! And guess who we’re playing on Wednesday in Wolfeden for the BUSA quarter-finals?

Having beaten Loughborough, (worth the trip alone!-god we hate them!), Reading could finish 5th in UK and Ireland with a win over Cambridge University, a top eight BUSA team. A tired Reading side were however inspired by their history-making exploits of the weekend. In a 2-1 victory which demonstrated yet again great team spirit and superb individual displays( Peter Wanyonje in particular) the perfect end to an extraordinary weekend was complete. 5th in UK and Ireland!!! Who’s the daddy? Yet knowing Hallam went to the final when we beat them leaves a sour taste in he mouth, the Reading boys want to cancel out at the BUSA finals in March. These men however, deserve their names to be etched in gold in Wolfeden; EMANUEL BALSAMO, ALEXANDROS CONSTANTINOU, TOM JONES, RYAN JONES, DENI LEJEUNE and PETER WANYONJE! As well as Robert McMenamin, outstanding coach who has guided this club for ten years!

RUVC would like to thank Dinos Stogias for his support and technical expertise at Leeds as RUVC committee member and the girls from the ladies team that sang their hearts out for the lads they fancy! Also, UPP-Reading Student Village, proud club sponsors. The volleyball team is one Reading University should be truly proud of!