By David Berry

A successful Anzac Day Lightning Spike Challenge between Volleyball Horsham and Ararat Volleyball will see more opportunities going forward for both groups.

That is the feeling following a day when close games were the order of the day amidst an atmosphere of fun and excitement. 

Volleyball Horsham’s Tyler Snowden said the Ararat contingent had been screaming out for competition all season and this day presented itself with just that opportunity. 

“It also doubled as a great way to celebrate the Anzac spirit and remember those who made the sacrifice to enable us to do what we love doing best, and that is playing volleyball,” he said.

The tone was set in the very first men’s game, which resulted in a 24-24 draw between the Rangers and Heidelberg, with Rangers and Paradise also finishing in a draw 26-all, and Rex Boys and Nuggets likewise.

Determining the finalists went down to the last game between Ararat teams Bula Brothers and Paradise, with Paradise upsetting Bula Brothers 27-25.

This meant both Paradise and Nuggets finished on three wins, a draw and a loss from their five games, so the determining factor went to points scored for and against. 

The result went in favour of Nuggets with a point percentage of 103.44 percent compared with Paradise’s 103.30 percent.

Nuggets captain Matt McLoughlin said the game was tense.

In the final, the result came down to the last 30 seconds when scores were tied at 23-all before Nuggets scored the final three points to win a thriller.

On the women’s court, Horsham Red team took all before them, but not without a strong showing from Paradise.

In the round games the two teams were separated by one point, while in the final, Horsham Red was too strong, scoring a 46-29 win against their ageing opponents.

Volleyball Horsham’s Molly Carter, whose Horsham navy team took the bronze medal, said it was a great hit out for both Horsham teams prior to the country champs.

“The Ararat girls were very competitive and played a faster style of volleyball, keeping the ball alive and constantly putting the ball over the net into awkward spots, which kept our girls on their toes,” she said.

The Ararat women were pleasantly surprised by the standard of play displayed by the Horsham team.

“We couldn’t keep up with their constant changing of positions and the power they displayed,” Lenda from Ararat’s Pink Panthers said.

“If only we were younger, we would have given those girls a run for their money.

“They were so good to watch, and we will go back and practise even more for the return opportunity.”

Ararat co-ordinator Anita San Ba said not only was the day successful from an on-court perspective, but off the court as well.

“It bought our groups closer together as normally they don’t get to socialise as much as they should,” she said.

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