Sandbanks 18th & 19th July 2009

Report

Wessex Girls Secure Double British Championship Titles

Wessex Juniors Annie Tinker and Paige Nelmes retained their U16 British title on Saturday in a close fought contest against Beddows and Butcher. On Sunday the 15 year olds went on to triumph in the U18 event beating Hoare and Grimson the current U21 GB Beach Players in a closely contested 3 set match. Tinker and Nelmes lost the first set but in spite of the 40 mph gusts of winds went onto secure the 2nd and deciding set displaying maturity beyond their years.

The weekend was an outstanding success with record entries and hundreds of spectators witnessing the immense skill and athleticism displayed by our current and future prospects with the 2012 Olympics firmly in their sights. Personal triumphs were achieved on all 34 courts culminating in a thrilling Open Final.

The ladies winners, Gabi Madricka and Eva Czinegova dominated the tournament without dropping a set over the weekend. The runners up were thrilled with their result as Julia Werdich's partner Kerri Olding had just come back from a long term injury, and our very own Paula Snow and Uli Gaetner came third.

The winners of the Men's Open Championship were Jake Sheaf and Josh Randall the GB Junior representatives who beat the more experienced and previous winners Steve Fee and Rich Payne. It was great to see our local lads, Bobby Hudson and Kalis Celmins, coming third after playing 10 matches over the weekend.

On a final note we would like to give a big Thank You to Sportset, Rockley Watersports, Borough of Poole, Volleyball England, BlueWahoo, Beales, Poole Harbour Watersports and all our hard working volunteers who supported us over the weekend, it would have been impossible without their generosity.

By Helen Tinker, Wessex Volleyball