Not content with dominating Wiltshire, Bassett stormed to success at the Whitefield open tournament this weekend.

The ladies aimed to gain experience against more established teams and, after the introductions and hang-overs were over, quickly found winning form. Lots of close-fought matches were negotiated to finish in the top half of their pool of eight and qualifiy for the semi-final which they lost by only one point on aggregate after drawing one-set all. Great fun and a fantastic performance all round: Nina (captain), Carla, Marina, Zuzana, Petra, Jenna (great beaver hat!), Donna (Bath), Helen (Calne), Jodie (Plymouth).

The men combined A and B team players and got off to a typically slow start, losing their first match 23-25, 23-25. However they won their next three pool matches, the last narrowly in the deciding set, to scrape through qualification for the quarter-finals. Sunday was typical Bassett. A strong team performance to win the QF in two very close sets (great blocking against an enormous middle hitter) followed by a comfortable semi-final win. The final looked like a hurdle too far, losing the first set and trailing 14-20 before a cute tactical switch launched a trade-mark comeback (the A-team are renowned for it) to sneak the second set. We changed ends several points in arrears in the deciding set before launching another storming comeback to win the trophy in our 20-team division! Fantastic performance, with the B-team players really raising their game to new heights: Mike (captain), Richard, Jimmy, Andy, Mark (Sat), Stuart (York), Jorg, Robin, Phil.

It was a great weekend besides the volleyball - our partners and eleven kids had a marvellous time, we all enjoyed socialising in Bath, Nina enjoyed her birthday, Mike ended his WB career on a high, and romance blossomed. What more can you ask for?! Many thanks to everyone for making it so much fun!

Wootton Bassett - probably the best volleyball club in the world.

Phil