On October 21, the competition saw 28 teams from as far as Sydney, Canberra and Bega compete in over four divisions.

The competition’s popularity almost doubled that of the autumn edition held in March this year. Bega Volleyball entered division three mixed with the assistance of a Canberra-based female player after limited preparation.

Bega’s first game was against MOGS Mixed. Bega’s performance was surprisingly strong with half the team making the long morning drive and the other half attending Oktoberfest the night before.

Bega’s serve put MOGS Mixed under pressure drawing a number of forced errors. Bega winning the first set comfortably. MOGS Mixed attempted to re-group in the second but to no avail with Bega eventual winners 2 sets to nil.

Bega’s next game was against another Canberra based team, the SFV Bombelles. The opposition was well organised, skilful and turned the tables on Bega with strong serving and blocking setting up a first set win. Bega lost its composure and its rotation lineup in the second set creating confusion handed a comfortable second set win and game to the Bombelles.

With games being played to the 55 minute time limit, Bega played a third set and re-organised to claim a win 25-19. The set win proved crucial to Bega’s for and against ratio later in the day.

Bega’s final preliminary game was against MMU, another Canberra based team with some junior players. Bega changed its lineup to rest players ahead of a long day ahead and also to share court time around.

The move proved fruitful with Bega winning the initial two sets comfortably. The third set was a much closer affair with Bega struggling to maintain its good passing and serving form, MMU edging out winners 25-23.

Bega faced  MOGS Mixed again in a semi-final, starting proceedings in the same fashion as the morning match-up with a comfortable 25-19 win in the first set. With its grand final hopes on the line, MOGS Mixed rallied together well to put pressure on Bega and level proceedings 26-24 after a titanic struggle that saw the lead change four times.

Bega held its nerve in the sudden death playoff and came out eventual winners, qualifying for its first competitive final through good serving and strong attack from its star spikers.

The grand final playoff and championship game was against the SFV Bombelles who had not lost a game all day. The long day was made potentially even longer with the grand final being best of five sets with a 90 minute time limit.

As the day progressed, teams opted for a shorter and shorter warm up to conserve energy. This worked in Bega’s favour having won the toss and played the semi-final immediately before.

With Bega fully warmed up and in game mode, they sprinted out of the blocks and claimed the first set 25-21 with Bega’s American import starring.

The SFV Bombelles returned to the court with a vengeance, claiming the next two sets comfortably 25-17 and 25-19 with good serving and spiking of their own.

Bega again re-organised its lineup introducing rested players from the previous game to introduce some vitality into tired legs. The move proved insightful with Bega scrambling from five points down to set up a 23-22 lead in the potential final set.

The fresh players and tiring opposition saw Bega switch leads several times with the SFV Bombelles setting up match point on 25-24. But firm resolve and some key blocks by its Canberra-based player saw Bega set up the fifth set tie-break for the championship.

As per game protocol, the final set was to be played to 15 points only. Bega started well taking the first point only for the Bombelles to quickly side out and jump out to an early 2-1 lead.

The rotation lineup favoured Bega with its serving specialist taking control of the ball. Some good serving set up a 8-2 lead and change of ends. The Bombelles tried to take a leaf out of Bega’s book and substituted some players but Bega continued its run of aggressive serving and served out the set 15- 2 to take its first ever Canberra Cup and competitive title.

The medals made the late, long drive back to Bega that little bit sweeter than usual.

Playing volleyball is a fun sport and a great way to meet new people. Follow Bega Volleyball’s Facebook page for further information and events.​