Volleyball: Troon Team Ayrshire stay top of the league

Dec 14 2012 by Mike Wilson, Ayrshire Post

Troon Team Ayrshire retained pole spot in the Scottish Top Division despite a poor performance and heavy defeat by nearest rivals City of Edinburgh at Queensferry.

After last week’s gruelling defeat to the same side in the Scottish Top Team’s Cup final, this was expected to be another cracker but Troon, playing without flair or confidence, threatened only in the second set as they lost 15-25, 25-20, 10-25, 17-25.

Passing was tentative, blocking at times non existent, defence sporadic and hitting wayward as Troon often misfired badly. Claire Ramage was Troon’s best player but she too was nowhere near her best , Elaine Krawczyk was good at times but again not near her best and Kay Wheatley hit some big winners and won some good blocks but not enough to make a difference.

This result may prove to be an invaluable lesson and, with Troon having the better of the fixtures in the second half, may not be too costly to their title hopes but improvements are required.

Troon Kyle and Carrick remain top of the women’s second division but had a narrow escape away from home to Glasgow International at Lenzie winning 3-2. The squad of Drauz Brown, Gott, MacKay, Duncan, Tomlinson, Caldwell, Thomson, Hood and Richmond have had a fine first half to the season.

Marr College took the Scotland under 18 Junior National League title at Wishaw with a great win over Lanarkshire Ragazzi. Eight match points eluded them before winning 25-17, 25-27, 16-14. Katie Barbour was again outstanding.

Marr College 2nds had a great third placed finish.