WEYMOUTH Waves suffered defeat after facing Lydney Lynx and Cardiff Panthers in their opening fixtures in the South West

League.

The Seasiders came out fast and loud; taking the first set 25-19 against Lynx, following accurate setting from Ben Hart that enabled the hitters to dominate at the net.

The second set went point for point until the final five points where the inexperience from Weymouth could not see them take a 2-0 lead in the match.

Consistent blocking was not enough to intimidate the home side as they powered through 25-22 to square the tie.

The third set mirrored the second and Waves clawed a four-point deficit, saving four match points to level play at 24-24.

A tactical time out from Lydney allowed them to regroup and take the third set 27-25.

Re-energised for the fourth set, Weymouth took the first couple of points but could not maintain the intensity for the duration.

Though intimidating at the net, Matt Board was isolated well by the opposition as they went around the 6ft 5in middle blocker, giving Lydney’s hitters more opportunity to take the set 25-19 and subsequently the match.

Weymouth then played experienced side Cardiff Panthers, who boast several ex-National League talent in the squad.

The first set was fairly well balanced but the experience of Cardiff ensured their accurate serving was enough to pull away at the latter stages of the set.

The intensity of the Weymouth block continued from their first match, but the hitting was defended superbly by Cardiff and saw them take the first set

25-20.

In the second set, Weymouth adjusted their starting VI and were able to fight for every point.

The set ended 25-23 to Cardiff in what was a valiant attempt to level the match.

Voted by the opposition, most valued played, Board, continued to work the middle attack, moving the opposition around the court and keeping the tie

close.

After two quick time-out calls, Weymouth were unable to stay with Cardiff as they increased the gap, before finally taking the third set 20-15.

Andrew Carlile, who has only been playing volleyball at local level for 13 months and is an outside-hitter for Waves said: “The standard is a big step up from what I’m used to.

“I look forward to returning to training with areas to develop and am excited to be playing at this level.”

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