BASINGSTOKE Volleyball Club has completed their most successful season in recent history by winning the mixed team plate, writes STUART MANN.

The club, competing in the Berkshire Volleyball Association consists of a mens, ladies and mixed team.

All three have enjoyed some incredible results over the course of the season with a vast improvement over recent years.

The mixed team started the season slowly losing four out of the first five matches, however fought back strongly in the second half of the season and eventually finished well deserved runners up in the league.

The men’s team, competing in division two also finished runners up earning themselves a place in the play-offs.

They grasped the opportunity for promotion winning both of the playoff games and earned themselves a slot in the top flight for next season.

The ladies team, already competing in division one enjoyed the most success however by taking the coveted top position and winning the trophy.

Starting the season with an entirely new committee and ladies team coach, the club built up very strong teams who always fought to the very end.

The focus on playing and socialising together, along with a positive attitude on court seemed to work well.

Injury problems were overcome with strength and depth in the squad who were versatile and flexible in the positions they played.

With two indoor evening training sessions per week, the club went from strength to strength.

Solid receiving laid the foundations for some “boom” spikes, a term given to a style of spiking by ladies coach and men’s team captain Fabio Danieli.

The club are now focusing on next season where they are hoping to build on their success of this year.

Pictured left to right, mixed plate winning team with the trophy and club mascot Lenny the lion: Back row (left to right): Rani Jakobsen, Andy Bickle, Eric Kamss, Fabio Danieli, Andy Coleman.

Front row: Catherine Cooper, Magda Kowalska, Jan Ngiam, Olgunn Tunheim (captain), Annette Bickle.