Defending champions Blaze storm to the top of the league

Matt Scott started the match off with strong serving that made it difficult for the Civil Service defence. This continued throughout the match with varied strong serving from Blaze leaving it hard for Civil Service to launch attacks. Blaze kept up the pressure throughout the set, and a stunned Civil Service conceded the 1st set 25-9

Fired up from their 1st set victory, Blaze raced away to a 6-0 lead with strong service from player/coach Alan McKnight. Civil Service then fought back hard with some good defensive and smart play and they brought the scores level at 6-6. Both teams continued to trade points until near the end of the set when Blaze started to pull away, they closed out the set 25-16 with more strong serving forcing an error from Civil Service.

Blaze came out hoping to close out the game in 3 sets. Strong hitting through the back court from Jeff Scott and consistent play from the Blaze team all round meant Civil Service couldn't rely on errors and had to work hard for every point. Blaze middle Matt Scott started the game and finished it serving Blaze's final point.

The final result was 3-0 to Blaze 25-9, 25-16, 25-7.

Outside hitter Jeff Scott said after the match 'It was great to have so many spectators at our match to cheer us on, hopefully this great team play and great result will continue for the rest of the season!'

Big thank you goes to all of the supporters and especially to Tara and Caroline for reffing and Kerry and Hannah on the scores.

Blaze team: Jeff Scott, Richard Surgenor, David Park (c), Alan McKnight, Callum Currie, Matt Scott, Adam Hunter, Jonathan Workman (l)

Civil Service team: Barry O'Donnell (c), Jim Doherty, Fabrice Malherbe, Frazer Graham, Johnny White, Mark White, Mark Broadhurst.

Meanwhile it was a battle of the Blaze's last Friday night when the Firsts took on the Seconds. The final score read 3-0 to the Firsts.

The Seconds also competed against Portadown away on Monday night. The final score was 3-0 to the Blaze with newly signed Hong Kong national Kelvin feeling right at home on the Blaze back court. Definitely one to look out for in the future!

This Wednesday evening sees the Blaze Firsts take on the Ulster Elks at Dalriada Sports Hall. All support is most welcome.