The competition welcomed 19 teams from as far away as Sydney, while the Bega contingent was the most southerly group in the four-division contest. 

The Bega squad contended the division two mixed competition with the help of two Canberra-based players. 

Bega’s first game was against MOGS Mixed and officials remarked that Bega’s performance was surprisingly strong with good serves and passing making the difference. 

The serve put MOGS Mixed under pressure, drawing in some unforced errors to win the first set comfortably. 

The opposition rallied in the second set to take a late, but Bega doubled down on their serve to claim the game 26-24. The team then carried the momentum for a third-set win to card a 3-0 clean sheet. 

It was an excellent performance from a team that had never played together. 

Bega’s next game was against the eventual runners-up Hit Faced. The opposition flipped the tables on the Bega outfit with their own strong serving to set up a first set win. 

Bega shook off and rallied in the second to fall off at the death of the second set, going down 21-25. 

A crucial win in the third set 15-11 gave Bega second spot in Pool one and a cross-over playoff for the minor placings – which meant they could be anywhere from third to sixth. 

The final game pitted Bega against the third placed Team Party to Tokyo (TPT) from pool 2. 

Officials said the Bega side tried to shake things up with some tactical line-up changes, but it proved unfruitful, losing the first set with some strong spikes and blocking from the opposition. 

Bega rotated back to their opening line-up in the second set, which paid dividends as the team took the set handsomely. 

However, TPT were able to clinch a win in the last set, relegating Bega to fifth from seven teams, which was a creditable result against the experienced Canberra teams. 

The players said they enjoyed the trip and it was a great opportunity to play some games and see the quality of opposition. 

The group are now keen to share their newfound skills and stories from the Cup with local players in the draw at home. 

Officials said volleyball is a fun sport and a great way to meet new people. It’s a social competition with two grades to cater for both experienced and beginning players. 

If you would like to join contact Jason D’Arcy on 0409 224 845 or follow the Bega Volleyball Facebook page for events and information.