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After last seasons great performance and finishing third I was fully aware of what the club required to challenge for the league title. With the players I invited to play with CoE and along with the talent already established at the club. I was certain at the start of the season we would be close to winning some silverware but also aware of who would be our main threats. Always taking one game at a time we never got too far ahead of ourselves. We conquered a strong Top Teams Cup Group and went on to win the TTC at Wishaw SC in December, stamping our foot of authority on the rest of the league. With a small squad of eight players it was always a worry that we could fall victim to injury and then struggle. After going the first half of the season undefeated and relatively injury free, the injuries and illness arrived ten fold from January onwards. We re-configured the team and continued to battle through some tough matches, with all players demonstrating what great talent they have. Players simply taking teams by the scruff of the neck with shear desire to win. We then went twenty matches undefeated until the cup semi final. I cant comment too much on this as I was not present but we were comprehensively beaten by Su Ragazzi. It was deeply disappointing to lose that match and the unblemished record of wins but thats the way it went. Finishing the traditional league season undefeated we were coming back to full strength and knew the playoffs were going to be tough. Bon Accord had given us some tough matches in the season and would not be brushed aside. Some people are not fans of the playoffs and players are tired at that time of the season and don't want to play again when they have already established themselves at the top of the league. However the matches were exciting and a great advert for Scottish volleyball! The match away in Bon Accord was a real back against the wall thriller! Making it to the playoff finals was a great feeling and I must pay tribute to the City of Edinburgh players. Losing Gavin Watt (who is arguably the best setter in the country just now) to an ankle injury three days before we played Kilmarnock and performing the way we did is a tribute to the talent and resolve we have within our club. We played twenty Five matches this season and lost one! Our club is the first to go the league season and playoffs undefeated! City of Edinburgh have now won five different division league titles, which no other club has managed. Entering division five as a young junior side we won titles in consecutive years but it has taken a while to take the division one title! It was well worth the wait! Id like to thank all my players for their hard work, their talent and their experience that helped support me as their coach. It was an honour and a privilege.
In preparations for the division 1 playoffs City of Edinburgh suffered a major set back three days before the first match. During a friendly game, Edinburgh/Scotland setter Gavin Watt sustained ligament damage to his right ankle. This gave coach McGuigan one day to prepare with a 'new look' team and find a new setter. Drafting in second team players McHardy, Cockburn and Parker in an attempt to open up more hitting and setting options. It was clear in training, that outside hitter Macnab, was able to run the offence to a high level, whilst maintaining good block defence. With only one defeat this season City of Edinburgh were top of the table and favourites for the playoffs but with Kilmarnock strengthening their side with players like Gary Mcguire and the City without their setter it could have gone either way. Helped by a strong City passing unit, Macnab was not to be underestimated and played and outstanding match. Coached along by Watt from the bench Macnab opened up all the City hitting options and executed the City match plan. Riddle and Hammond were simply unstoppable!
There seemed to be a little panic in the ranks as Kilmarnock drew back a set but McGuigan continued to maintain relaxation in the team and block structure. Kilmarnock played into the hands of the Burgh going down 3-1. Knowing that the match away in Kilmarnock would be a different kettle of fish, McGuigan drafted in second team libero Liam Darling to add an extra dimension to the squad. This would allow McGuigan to come out of a libero slot and become another attack option. The first set did not go to plan! Kilmarnock dominated in all areas of the match shredding the City in a quick set of precise volleyball. The City could not handle the serving and made countless errors at the net. McGuigan subbed himself for an inspirational McHardy at the end of the first set but it was all too late. A change to the serve and defensive set up in the second set motivated a complete turn around in the second set. Sicsic, Szlendak and Riddle stepped up a gear and all of a sudden Kilmarnock were on the back foot. Hammond continued to pose a threat and McGuigan gradually stepped up to the mark in the hitting slot. The third set was massive! This was the set that set the game alight. Both sides came at each other with all guns blazing after Sicsic served four power serves at the start of the set. Riddle and McGuigan were now scoring from every angle and Edgar and Welsh were a tower of strength as McGuire swept up behind them. The set went all the way to the wire with City coming out on top. The fourth set was another real demonstration of quality from both sides at the net and a real test of character for the Kili lads. Sicsic made block after block shutting Welsh out the game but it just wasn't enough. A very positive set from both teams and even though Edgar made some alterations to his set up to take the vital points the weaknesses in t he passing unit were still evident. Riddle once again started the fifth set on a great note and McGuigan with a left handed winner. Macnab now seemed to be a god send as Edinburgh steamed off to a 5 point lead. A lead that was never lost and brought the League title to City of Edinburgh for the first time!
City of Edinburgh women pulled off two emphatic matches over the weekend, devastating last years winners with two impressive victories. A straight sets win on the Saturday in Troon put the City girls within touching distance of the title on the Sunday. The home crowd came to watch the City women out class a Troon team who tried so unbelievably hard to claw back points but it just wasn't to be. Well done girls!! City of Edinburgh Men and Women Division One Champions!!!
Once again the hard work in the City of Edinburgh Volleyball Academy has paid off! Two very successful weekends have now gone passed for the City club! Last weekend City of Edinburgh Juniors became U13 Scottish Schools Champions. Under the QHS name, the City boys beat Mearns Castle HS in straight sets, taking the trophy East for the first time. A fantastic win for some promising young players of the future! This weekend City of Edinburgh II took on Glasgow Mets II at QHS in the Division II Playoff. After losing 3-2 away from home the previous week, City needed a convincing win to make sure of promotion to Div II. Glasgow Mets knew they would need to play well if they were to beat the young City team away from home. Fans filled the hall for this one and the noise was deafening at times inside the small gym. Tensions ran high as this exciting game began to turn in favour of the City after a 1-1 tie. Michael Cockburn ran a comprehensive offence with McAshey leading from the front. After the passing unit sorted themselves out from a somewhat shaky second set. McHardy then became an unstoppable force when Cockburn opened up all the options. The crowd cheered more and more as they roared the home side to a 3-1 victory and Second Division Volleyball next season!
Saturdays Playoff matches for both City of Edinburgh Men and Women went according to plan with two vitally important impressive home performances. Both teams never dropped a set as neither Edinburgh Jets or Bon Accord had any answers to the questions posed by the dominant City. This put City of Edinburgh women in a strong position going away to Jets on the Sunday. The Burgh continued in a similar fashion by taking control of the match and walking off into the playoff finals 1-3 winners. City of Edinburgh men had a slightly different challenge from the Saturday. Bon Accord started extremely strong as Stevie Milne led his team once again causing problems for the City. The first set was close and only turned in Bon Accords favour at 19 points a piece. It was clear they had slowed the City offence and their game plan was going to plan. The second set was much of the same but City clawed their way back into the set but having to work extremely hard to put the ball down. Errors in the middle of the set from the hitters and then from the passing unit at the tail end of the set saw a very tight game drop in favour of the Aberdeen side who were now looking to take the match. The third set was not looking good for the City as Bon Accord once again took control of the match. Keeping a four point lead, Bon Accord were powering shots through the City block whilst shutting down the City offence. McGuigan rallied time and time again urging his team to believe that this game was not over and it could still be won. Some amazing defence from Macnab and McGuigan in back court was an inspiration and the spark began to come back into the Burgh team! Hammond and Riddle came up with the goods at the vital times. The City sneaked the third set snatching a bit of life from the Aberdeen team and their fans!
The final set was nail biting as players and supporters had their hearts in their mouths! Bon Accord looked favourites at the change of ends keeping a two point lead. Errors from Aberdeen and some resilient play from the Burgh drew the teams level at 13 each. Hammond held his nerve and served excellently under pressure and but the Burgh within touching distance of a win but there was one final twist. A net fault call put Bon accord back in contention but they then failed to capitalise as City only needed one last chance to put the nail in the head of this two hour battle. City of Edinburgh Men and Women will now battle in the playoff finals in their bid to win the league! Some great hard work has really paid off lets just hope both teams can go all the way!! Elsewhere City of Edinburgh II narrowly lost away in their first leg against Glasgow Mets II. The City need a convincing win at home next weekend if they are to be promoted to Division II. Please come along to support our young players Saturday 27th March 1215 Queensferry High!
After the devastation of last weeks cup exit City of Edinburgh have been hit with yet more injury worries. The character of the players has certainly been put to the test over the second half of the season and now look to pick themselves up and back into winning ways for the Playoffs. The Burgh face fourth placed Bon Accord this weekend in home and away fixtures. Bon Accord pushed the City to the limit last weekend in a thrilling battle of power volleyball. Come along and support some great volleyball this Saturday at Queensferry High School. The womens firsts take on Edinburgh Jets from 1230 and the men first serve at 230pm. The playoffs are the business end of the season and are not to be missed The very best of luck to City of Edinburgh II who face Glasgow Mets II in the2nd and 3rd division playoffs. The City will be pushed to the limit in their bid to play second division volleyball next season. Good luck lads!
City of Edinburgh took on Glasgow Su Ragazzi in the semi finals of the Scottish Cup at the weekend hoping to make their second final of the season. Ragazzi had not beaten Edinburgh this season let alone anyone else, which made the Burgh odds on favourites to progress. Ragazzi were missing Galloway who's wife had just given birth. Congrats Ali to you and the family! City were missing player coach McGuigan and suffering a little from the late and enduring match in Aberdeen the previous day. With Szlendak visiting the hospital the night before after the match in Bon Accord the squad looked a little under strengthed but they battled on.
This game did not go the way the bookies intended. Ragazzi were exceptional with Herley coming up with a stand out performance for the Glasgow side! The City passing unit did not hold up and as a result just couldn't put the ball down as Ragazzi scrapped for every point. Even when the City looked like taking the third set, unforgivable service errors on a few occasions, just proved it wasn't going to be a good day for the Burgh. Ragazzi ran out with a well deserved straight sets victory and will face Glasgow Mets in the final.
Travelling to Aberdeen has always been a tough tie for every national league team but a win today for Bon accord would see them leap frog Kilmarnock into third place in the league. McGuigan was feeling under the weather so decided to take on a a sole coaching role. Almost up to full strength City were looking strong again and this promised to be a great match. The game started extremely fast with some long rallies which caught both teams a little by surprise. After going point for point it was Edinburgh who changed the face of the first set with some pressure serving. Pulling away with strings of aces City looked very comfortable now.
Bon Accord continued into the third set with the same momentum opening up a five point gap. Some excellent self made points from Milne were the key to splitting the City defence. Burgh were struggling to find answers to the problems Aberdeen were posing. Again the fourth set started with Bon Accord in control and when they opened up a five point gap City looked to be facing their first defeat of the season. The character shown in this fourth set was impressive. Watt who had battled through the entire match now started to click with his attackers, Riddle began to turn on the style and the City middle players started to make an impact. The fifth set was a sporting spectacle as both teams hammered in point after point. The teams were closely tied again when a referee call went in the Burgh's favour to put them two points clear. With one great hit and an error from Bon Accord this epic match, lasting 2hrs 30 mins came to an end. A fantastic achievement from City of Edinburgh finishing the regular Schelde League season undefeated!
City of Edinburgh played host today to second placed Glasgow Mets in a top of the table clash. Fans in the Ferry were to be disappointed when mets arrived with a significantly under strengthend squad. Its believed that some first team Mets players were playing for their second string to save them from relegation. Szlendak still out injured and Hammond returning from injury the City looked impressive but this form was not to continue into the opening set. Even after taking a strong lead with some powerful hitting from Macnab and Riddle the City let things slip. What seemed like simple plays were made difficult and service errors were costly. As Mets drew level City found another gear and pulled away to take the set.
McGuigan returned for the third set and Macnab stepped to the side to allow Hammond to step into his position. Hudson picked holes in the City passing unit from the outset but the Burgh bounced back and seemed to have a little more spark about them! City took complete control of this final and third set taking the opportunity to stretch their attacking options a little. The blocks closed in on the Mets attack and the set finished as expected.
With a playoff place secured, City are continuing to move towards finishing top of the league table as the only team undefeated! Visiting team Glasgow Su Ragazzi needed to win this match to keep them in contention of a playoff spot anything else would push the Glasgow to side to the last match of the season depnding on favourable results elsewhere. City welcomed back the much awaited return of Simon Hammond but would not feature in the match after the warm up. City started very strong establishing the lead very early on bedding down a stable pass, allowing Watt to access Sicsic and Szlendak who were unstoppable. Serving peatered off from the City and Ragazzi came back levelling the scores at 17 each. City closed out the set with some great hitting from Riddle.
It was all or nothing for Su in the third set. They started the set very well opening up a lead that City just couldn't claw back despite some great blocks from Hunter. A glimmer of hope wasn't enough for City as Ali Galloway was yellow carded and then red carded from the set for disputing a line call with the referee. Hamilton, Herley and McGrenary all stepped up a gear and showed the ferry crowd how good they are by closing out the set! An unphased City started the 4th set with a string of great serves from every player! Some excellent defence from whatever Ragazzi threw at the City was enough to continually widen the gap between the two teams. Watt finished the set by gunning an ace serve through the seam of the Ragazzi passing unit. This addition to the injury list for creates a headache for McGuigan as the business end of the season draws near... Elsewhere City of Edinburgh women had a great performance after a delayed start in Troon. The City women showed the class in Ayrshire with a 1-3 over the league leaders! There was more success for the City of Edinburgh II women as they came away with a 3-2 win at home to Ayrshire. Sophie Hunter had an outstanding hitting game and never failing to score through position four.
City were relaxed in their play but impressive! A great warm up carried on into the first set for the Burgh and it was clear Fife were not going to be able to cope. The City gunned their serves into court battering the Fife defence but this aggressive play was accompanied with errors. The teams level pegged until fifteen points a piece and then City upped the pace and took the first set comfortably in the end. Fife opened the second set in a slightly different rotation and also with some tough serving. This worked to their advantage as the City play became rushed and scrappy as a result. The City passing unit put setter Gavin Watt under some pressure and hitters missed golden opportunities to put the ball away. Again around the fifteen point mark City began to pull away and the block tightened on the Fife offence. With some nice roof blocks for Watt and Szlendak Fife ran out of answers and motivation. The third set was very relaxed and jovial on the City side of the net but they continued to do a very professional job on the Fife team. Emotions ran high at times for the Fifers as Penny attempted to rally his team. A great middle play seemed to be their last gasp attempt to unravel the City but McGuigan then Macnab put a spectacular piece of defence together to put an end to this. This ended up with Macnab sprawled out on the floor with the rest of the team over him in a 'Gazza' typed celebration! With Fife hopes dashed City rolled over the top to clinch the match 0-3.
On paper, this rescheduled match between City of Edinburgh and Troon should have been fairly straightforward for the Burgh boys. However, City were without the experience of McGuigan and Hammond, and knew that with a makeshift unit, this could be a potential banana skin.
The top of the table clash between City of Edinburgh and Kilmarnock did not fail to disappoint the Queensferry crowd. Gordon Welsh returned as libero for Kilmarnock and City outside hitter Simon Hammond watched the game from the gallery still sufferring from a back injury. Kilmarnock could have sneaked up to top of the league with a win today, having one match in hand. City were determined not to give the Ayrshire side any psychological edge and the game started sharply for both sides. Kilmarnock served very well putting the City passing unit under pressure but the City recovery play was simply outstanding. Outside hitters, Macnab and Riddle were on top form today and just couldn't be stopped. City pulled away after level pegging till 15 points and showed some real character once again.
The third set was the final push from the orange machine and after making such a strong start City just wouldn't lie down. Kili opened up a four point gap on two occasions but City continued to claw the momentum back. Eventually the Kilmarnock error count began to rise and City ran out as strong winners! Elsewhere at Linlithgow Academy City of Edinburgh II were away to Grassmarket Jets in a 2nd and 3rd place battle. The previous tie had ended in a 3-2 victory to the City. The young developing squad from the Burgh demonstrated how much they have improved in such a short space of time. Even with a volatile McHardy the young City team romped home with an emphatic 0-5 win completely outclassing and outpowering their opponents.
Today City of Edinburgh faced Team Fife in Quarter Final of the Scottish Cup! A potential banana skin for the Burgh in the midst of such a successful season so far, but it wasn't to be. Hammond still taking care of the libero position and McGuigan on the outside the City once again started flat and slow.
A great start to the second set from City put Fife on the back foot immediately. Macnab introduced himself from the back court quite a few times as Watt explored more options. Opening up a gap in this set that City couldn't possibly be caught Fife were well beaten in the second. The third set was level pegging up until the half way mark as Fife began to break up the City passing unit. Although the City middle just couldn't be stopped it was a string of nine serves from Macnab which separated the two sides. Some excellent block defence behind the serves saw City eventually take this match and move into the Semi Finals! Elsewhere City of Edinburgh women progressed comfortably in the Thistle Bowl against Glasgow International with a 0-3 win and mens City of Edinburgh II pulled off a great victory also in the Thistle Bowl, away to Bellshill Cardinals. The final score 3-2! Well done ladies and gents!
The City travelled to Edinburgh rivals Jets today for the first match of the season following a prolonged winter break. Jets have not had the best of seasons so far and were hoping to start the second half of their league campaign with a win.
The second set caught jets on the hop and allowed City an early lead which was never lost. The tighter of the three sets in the match was down to City tying to over complicate some plays which resulted in out right errors. Jets put out a better performance but still lacked the control and power to really trouble the City defence. Riddle took the game by the scruff of the neck in the City side and was the 'go to player' for Watt. Taking points from the front and back court the City clinched the second set. An almost too relaxed atmosphere in the third set from City saw Jets take a short lived lead. The Jets crowd tred to spur their players on but to no avail. Riddle was again the player to watch and McGuigan finished the match with two service aces.
This Sunday 20th December, City of Edinburgh Juniors will help pack your shopping bags in Marks and Spencers at the Gyle as part of a club fundraiser. The City will be bag packing from 10 am - 5 pm as you do your last minute xmas shopping, just look out for the blue t shirts!
City of Edinburgh faced Bellshill Cardinals today in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup and it has to be said that there was nothing pretty about this match. Edinburgh has injured Hammond filling the libero spot and player/ coach McGuigan back in to the hitting role.
City came a little into form in the third and final set as McGuigan hit some heavy jump serves breaking up the Bellshill unit, Macnab powerfully picked holes in the bellshill block and things were resuming normality. Not the best match of the season but the City have now gone a massive twelve matches without defeat and walk on to the Scottish Cup Quarter Finals! The club will now take a well deserved Winter break and look forward to carrying on the fantastic start to the season in the New Year. Merry Christmas and good luck to Gavin Watt and Barry McGuigan who will be capped for Scotland in Luxembourg in January!
City of Edinburgh men and women's teams made history today by winning the Top Teams Cup. A straight 3-0 win for both squads is fantastic news for Edinburgh volleyball! The City women out-played Troon volleyball VC who were unbeaten this season until today. Coutts and Co didn't seem troubled by Troon until the third and deciding set were there was a rocky patch. Errors from Troon and some fantastic counter plays from Edinburgh saw the City walk out of this match clear winners! City of Edinburgh men who had beaten Bon Accord at home the previous day started the first set well and set the tone for this match! Consistant strong serving and a solid passing unit from the City was something Accord just couldn't match in the first set which led to their demise. Bon Accord changed their tactics in the second set trying to pressurise the City passing unit but the Burgh boys adapted well and continued to dominate. Sicsic and Watt put in outstanding performances continually opening up Accord's defence. The game was going a little flat as Accord ran out of answers. McGuigan began to rally the team to continue on with the battle as they took the second set. The third set saw Bon Accord come out all guns blazing and the City still flat from the previous set had to battle the entire set to stay in it. Riddle pulled off some fantastic shots under pressure and helped the City claw back a 4 point deficit to win the match and the Cup!!
City of Edinburgh took on Bon Accord this afternoon in the first game of a double header this weekend. Today's league match was vitally important for either team in their title challenges as the 'granite' side were hot on the heels of the City. Bon Accord have been impressive so far this season and arrived in Queensferry in the most professional of manners. They are a well organised unit and demonstrated their power in the warm up.
The second set saw the City switch their unit and as Bon Accord increased the serving pressure and Milne distributed expertly to his offence, the team from Aberdeen began to take hold of the set. Some excellent defensive work and some brilliant saving sets from Watt, City responded ferociously! Point after point the City got stronger and stronger and took the second set. The third set saw City get into the lead after the fifth point of the match and then never looked back. The granite had cracked and were lost for solutions. Although the game had gone flat Edinburgh were solid and saw out this match 3-0. Ten matches in a row for City of Edinburgh and top of the league undefeated as we head into the Christmas break. Well done lads! Tomorrow is the Top Teams Cup Final and City will need to be on top form to beat Bon Accord again. Please come along and support us at Wishaw Sports Centre at 2pm.
Riddle and Macnab were outstanding in this match from start to finish! Piercing holes in the Mets block defence and finding court on occasions when they had no right to. The City started with a stronger passing game which was missing on their last visit and took the first set 20-25. Much communication concerning the City block defence took place in the second set and really began to take hold of the Mets spikers. The servers stepped up a level from the previous set and cutting out the errors. After level pegging the Burgh racked up the points mid way through the set and won 14-25. The third and final set was a little more relaxed as the players on court knew this match was going one way. There was no way through for Mets as the strangle hold tightened and with three errors at the end of the set City took the game and the match 18-25!
In the final group match of the Top Teams Cup, City of Edinburgh would have to conquer Kilmarnock to secure a place in the finals. After Kilmarnock defeated Mets last week the City knew that the Ayrshire lads were going to be no push over!
Kilmarnock came out in the second set with more fight than the first but as their more experienced players bagged some points their passing unit sufferred at the hands of the City service. A line of fans enjoyed the excitement and some spectacular defensive work from the City which was dually converted into scoring points. Watt pulled out some wonder sets and Riddle, Hammond and Macnab were on great scoring form. 25-21 The third set saw a change in mood from both camps after the excitement of the second set. The first half of this set was a bit flat but City lifted their spirits with some more brilliant volleyball! Sicsic and Hunter were unstoppable, with Watt leading the team on to the final. 25-19 City of Edinburgh women have also made the final of the TTC after beating Edinburgh Jets 3-1! It was a shaky start for the City women but they went from strength to strength as the game progressed. Coutts and Smythe came on to a game mid way through the match and helped break down a strong Jets defence.
The next few matches running up to the Christmas break are vitally important for City of Edinburgh to keep the pressure on the other teams in pursuit of them in the league. The City travelled to Glasgow Su Ragazzi this morning knowing they were in for a tough day as Ragazzi have been improving as their league campaign continues. The first set went to Edinburgh as both teams traded powerful blows from the offset. Players felt the pressure of the game and made many service errors but the Edinburgh boys started to pull away three quarters of the way through and the dominant team appeared to be rearing its head. Some great plays from Sicsic was testimony to that.
The third set was one that saw the City block defence spring into action with Macnab and Hammond having outstanding performances in attack. Mcguigan was a rock in defence and Watt was sensational! As the match seemed to be going City now took another back seat and it was time for Ragazzi to give them the run around once more. Galloway and Herley blew holes in the City and McGrenary found gaps passed the well formed block. Another five setter for the City and the capital side came off the bench raring to go full of fight. The race was on and the City started very well indeed. The tension was growing in the hall and the importance of a win here was coming to fruition. Ragazzi fought back making the the turn just in the lead. Stepping over to the other side of court City turned up the heat and began tell everyone what this meant to them. Service errors appeared for Ragazzi at vital points and the City ran out winners. A big game and a huge win for Edinburgh!!
City of Edinburgh under 16 boys and girls took part in a 'friendly' match against each other last weekend in order to squeeze in some more match practice. This also allowed the coaches to watch the players in action whilst competing to win! On this occassion the boys managed a 3-0 win but the girls played some great volleyball making some great plays fighting for every point. Well done to everyone involved in the matches and the coaches for organising more volleyball for our juniors!
This weeks Top Teams Cup clash had drawn City of Edinburgh away to Glasgow Mets. Both teams have not been beaten this season so far and the stage was set for a grappling match! The match was packed full of excitement, emotion and unfortunately many passing errors on both sides. The crowd were gripped by the game and played a part in some of the points Im sure. The City started the game well and ran out with a quick start but following the first set the match was coming down to a serve pass battle which changed hands constantly throughout the morning.
The race was on in the fifth set for either team to snatch the game. Were Mets looked so convincing in the fourth set it was time for the tide to turn once more. Riddle and Sicsic were superb in shooting City off to a six point lead by putting mets under pressure from block serve. Finally the frustration from the match was directed positively and all of a sudden City were all engines go and never looked like being caught! An important win which keeps City top of their TTC league.
Fife have not had luck on their side after a few players were struck by injury and they have not won a match this season as a result. The City did not show any signs of mercy for the Fifers but it was a tight battle over the course of the first set. Krawczyk and Penny threw their best attacks at the Capital side but again the City seemed to be getting stronger as the match developed and were too strong in defence 1-0
McGuigan switched things around for the final set of this match to firmly secure the home win. To help, Riddle came up with some great defensive plays followed by some big hits and Macnab came up with some important points. The City had beaten the spirit out of the 'kingdom' and there was not as much coming back now. A great City performance and now top of the league table! 3-0
No City of Edinburgh team has played away in Kilmarnock and come out victors. Many have come close over the years but today history was made! Beating Kilmarnock 1-3 meant City of Edinburgh's third league victory in a row! The City started off with a great bit of serving and looked to be in control of the first set but Kilmarnock fought back strong. Clawing back a four point deficit and with some powerful and clever hitting the City began to break down. Well deserved first set to the home side.
The momentum stuck with Edinburgh and the third set was over in no time at all as the 'orange machine' had no answers for some excellent volleyball. The whole team started to tick after a shaky start to the day and things were looking up 1-2. The fourth and final set seemed to be going only one way and Sicsi really came on to a blocking game shutting down the Kili offence. At least five roof blocks from the City front line and some consistant serving allowed the Burgh to take a very important win back to the capital!
City of Edinburgh were at home today to City of Glasgow Su Ragazzi in the first round of the Top Teams Cup. The clashes are never short of entertainment and this being the first of the season a win was very important. Both sides had to make changes to their usual starting line up but both made an impressive start to the match. Ragazzi looked strongest coming up with powerful finishes to each rally. Without a libero the City looked slightly vulnerable in pass and defence and even though the City fought back at the end of the first set it was all too late 0-1. The second set was thrilling and had the crowd screaming and with some involuntary noises. Both teams battled hard as the set swung both ways and then finally in favour of the City who put themselves in position to take the set on two occassions. Service errors from the City settled the et in favour of Ragazzi! 0-2
A tactical switch from the City seemed to give the team an extra lift in the next three sets. McGuigan coming on to hit for the first time this season and Riddle switching to offsetter. Watt drilled bomb serves on to the Ragazzi passing unit and things started to click for the City! 1-2. Staring defeat in the face in set four the City clawed back the set with some courageous and spectacular volleyball that eventually Ragazzi could not answer to. 2-2 The final set was a race to 15 and just before the two sides switched ends City appeared to be getting stronger and stronger. The match finished on a controversial point in favour of the City but some magnificent block serve points overturned a strong Ragazzi. 3-2 City of Edinburgh!!
The first Edinburgh derby took place today in Queensferry HS as the City welcomed Edinburgh Jets. This match has historically been quite an emotional affair between the two sides. This didn't fail to disappoint! City were missing Sisci through the middle and wanted to start strong however the passing unit looked uncharacteristically shaky and things were not going quite to plan. Watt worked hard all game and whilst trying to keep his emotions under his hat he played an instrumental role here today. The passing unit wavered throughout the match and Watt repaired enough for the hitters to bury it. This was not the prettiest of matches but the City got stronger at the end of each set and Jets stumbled making unforced errors. There could only be one outcome here today! Two games 3-0 means City of Edinburgh still top the national league table!!
City of Edinburgh II recorded their first win in the National League today beating Jets III 5-0. The girls produced some of their best volleyball to date working well as a unit. The passing was solid and the serving was tough. By the third and fourth sets Jets were struggling to hit passed the City block and it all seemed to be coming together. Together with coach Gavin Watt the girls have been working really hard and Im pleased to say they are finally reaping the rewards in the National League. Well done girls!
The first game of the season for City of Edinburgh was away to First Division new boys Troon. City took the match comfortably 0-3 and look to be gelling nicely. The City side looked sluggish but controlled the match from the start exploiting the Troon passing unit from the the service line. The match was over in under an hour via some impressive hitting from new signing Riddle and City regular Macnab!
One game one win! 'We have more of a threat through the middle nowadays which is allowing Gavin to toy with the opposition block a little more than last season. Im pleased with how the team is developing' -McGuigan
City of Edinburgh beach volleyball players Barry McGuigan and Graham Riddle have finished 2nd in the British Beach Championships! The Scottish number one pairing saw off the Olympic hopefuls and GB number 3 team, Tom Lord and Phil Smith on their way to the finals.
'Its been hard this year after not being able to play so many matches at the start of the season but the more we play the better we get. Its been a very sharp learning curve coming up against the 'giants' from the GB programme in Bath but we adapted very well!'
City of Edinburgh players Gavin Watt and Colin Macnab have been quickly making their mark on British Beach Volleyball over the past two seasons. The pair have shocked the tour with some passionate performances whilst taking down some big guns. This Summer the Burgh lads travelled to Yantarniy, Kaliningrad in Russia for the European U23 Championships! A great experience to play against some of the top teams in Europe was on the cards. The competition did not fail to disappoint as the lads were drawn into a group with Spain, Serbia and Israel!
'As sad as it was to be finished, we had loved every minute of the tournament. We had competed against some of the top pairings in Europe, and got a taste of what elite level beach volleyball looks like. The standard was unbelievable, the physical attributes of all the players was outstanding. The women’s tournament was great to watch, and we learned a lot from the men’s game' - Macnab The epic journey has left the Edinburgh pair determined to get faster, more powerful, and gain more experience so they can compete in this tournament next year! Well done lads!!
A little bit of information about the new boys at City of Edinburgh! Graham Riddle - Started his volleyball career at City of Edinburgh before spending the majority of his playing years as an outside hitter at Nuvoc VC. Graham is under rated on the indoor circuit but has developed into one of the best beach volleyball players in the country, winning tournaments north and south of the border. Welcome home Graham!
Although never mentioned on the SVA Website at the end of last season, our very own Men's Div 1 coach Barry McGuigan was announced at the SVA AGM as the 2008/09 Schelde National League Mens Coach of the Year! After only a season and a half in charge this great award has come to City of Edinburgh. 'The credit must go to the players for all the work they have put in over the past season. Thanks to my predecessor Ian Brownlee, I knew the players had all the skills necessary for our team to do very well in the league. We just needed to build a stronger unit.'
Its not often Scotland's minority sports sneak on to our television screens but thanks to Sport Monthly on BBC 2 things are finally looking up. City of Edinburgh and Glasgow Ragazzi put on a fantastic display of volleyball infront of a packed stadium at Wishaw Sports Centre. It was not quite the end to the season that the City were looking for but has been the most successful season to date in the first division! To see the interviews and some of the footage click here!
City of Edinburgh once again held the biggest and best junior volleyball tournament for boys and girls aged from primary 4 all the way though to 4th year at high school!Every year has been a great success for the Edinburgh based tournament and this year was no different. Teams travelled from as far a field as Orkney and from all over the country to take part for the fun and for the competition of it all (see the report)
A lot of hard work goes into playing volleyball at a top level and when players reap the rewards its important to recognise this. A very well done to City of Edinburgh II players for earning caps at the Under 19 International at Christmas. The guys put on a great performance against a very powerful GB Lions squad. Well done guys and keep up the hard work! Elsewhere Stuart Parker, Colin MacNab, Barry McGuigan and Boudewijn Grievink triumphed in the Scottish University League by finishing in top spot! The City players helped Edinburgh University win their third league title in successive seasons and now progress to challenge for the BUSA title.
The City of Edinburgh Academy demonstrated some real strength this weekend by taking the Glasgow Youth Tournament by storm. The City took at least eight teams to compete in the S2/3 divisions and triumphed in both the girls and boys leagues. Producing some fantastic volleyball both winning teams from the City went undefeated! Well done everyone!
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City served an impressive first two sets keeping Edgar quiet on the other side of the net. Jamie McHardy, who started the match, was consistant and more than a handful for the Kilmarnock block and demonstrated what a talent he is turning out to be! (Photo of Graham Riddle in full flight by Phillip Agius)
The fourth set saw McGuigan make some positional changes and Hunter entered the field in an explosive fashion. Not once was Hunter stopped in any attack driftign passed the Accord block. City began to fire on all cylinders with Watt starting to open up the Aberdeen defence with great speed and accuracy. The blocking was outstanding and once again the defence held strong. Another important set win and with momentum on their side the final set could go either way!
Also a huge congratulations to the girls and boys at City of Edinburgh II who have made it through to their first final as a national league team. The girls have excelled in the Plate competition beating rivals Edinburgh Jets III 3-1 in the semi final. The girls will now play against Troon in the final and following recent league results this will be a great challenge!
The second set was all about Bon Accord who took control of the set and were caught briefly mid way through. However with some tough serve block City attack options were now limited. McGuigan featured for the final third of this match and almost helped claw back the set but it wasn't to be.
The second set saw McGuigan make way for an eager Simon Hammond who has been out from injury for nearly two months until today. Hammond, all be it seemed a little tentative, made a string of solid jump serves pressurising the Mets passign unit in the opening 8 points. A repeat of the first set saw mets claw their way back into the game again closing the gap to just one point. Far from stable, the City hitters were tested by their own unit to score and did so. Hunter began to close down his opposite number and once again the City pulled away to take the set. (Pic Hammond in full effect -Phill Agius)
The second set was not without drama and Macnab was on fire! Everything seemed to be going Burgh's way openign up a 4 point lead. Szlendak hit a great middle ball at the 10 point mark and collapsed in a heap with an injured quad. Hunter replaced his injured comrad but the City were clearly rattled by this and lost a string of points which brought this set into a tight finish. Macnab couldn't fail to score and Watt continued to use this to the City advantage until the set was won. (Pic FIVB)
City returned to Fife again for the second time in three weeks, looking for their seventeenth win of the season! City were missing injured outside hitter Simon Hammond but player/coach McGuigan, returned after a week off. Fife welcomed the return of Colin Patterson and Mike Penny but were missing two main outside hitters!
The second set McGuigan brought in Sicsic and had an immediate impact from serve and block. Kilmarnock setter Giles worked hard to split the City block on a few occasions but the Burgh defended well with Szlendak making some great digs at important times. After having a five point lead Kilmarnock fought back well to level the match at 24 each. Edgar was determined to take this set and came up with some great hits but City were just too strong.
Sicsic was a one man show for the first half of the opening set and kept the City in it. Watt and Riddle were next to step into the match and the City began to pull away. Fife lacked Mike Penny in the front line as he stepped back as libero due to injury. This lack of juice was evident as Fife struggled for answers.
City of Edinburgh moved Hammond to libero bringing player coach McGuigan into a hitting slot. Hunter who was impressive in training all week also made the starting six. The match lacked energy and enthusiasm from the outset which is uncharacteristic of the city derby and the teams traded points in the first set up to eleven each. City then stepped up a gear and took point after point combined with Jets errors the Burgh boys saw the set out comfortably.
COEVC have numerous clubs that accommodate for a wide age range of players (picture - Hannah Beaton)
Taking just 55 minutes the match was over in three sets but there was a distinct lack of desire and fight on both sides of the net. The City seemed out of sorts but continued to eat away at Bellshill who failed to trouble the City defence for any substantial time. Szlendak and Riddle were the players City looked to today and held on to some postitive plays and saw the team through the first two sets. (picture FIVB - man of the match) 
This was the first time these two sides had met and this top of the table clash started with a fantastic first set! The power output by both sides was explosive and this first set came down to a blocking battle. The smallest of errors were punished but it was the home side who came up with the goods to close out this set with a stunning roof block from Sicsic!
City of Edinburgh U16 Boys pictured with coach Heather Darling 
City of Edinburgh U16 Girls pictured with coaches Sean McAshey and Fiona Kennie
Sets two and three were incredibly tight and really could have went either way. After winning the third set City looked to be gathering some momentum but strangely enough in the fourth set looked like a novice outfit. Unable to string any plays together the City were put away in double quick time by the domineering Mets. (Watt set - Pic Edin Uni) 
The second set was touch and go and really wasnt much in it between the two sides. Welsh and Edgar packed a punch gain whilst the Burgh still looked vunlerable but things were improving along with the noise levels! Along with some tactical changes, some clever hitting and stable setting from Watt clinched the second set for City making it 1-1. Game on! (picture - FIVB) 
picture - H. Steven
It has been a tough season for the Scots, with both players suffering from bad injuries. However it all seems to have come good again at the right time on tour with results that have produced their greatest finish yet! 
The guys knew they would face the greatest challenge of their volleyball careers but they remained positive and pushed every team they played. The result was one that surged them on to finish higher in the tournament than their GB counterparts, which was unexpected!
Edinburgh Winners - Rhys Arthur, Michael Lee, Jordan Ramsay, Callum Williamson
From left - Sean McCashey, Jamie McHardy & Stuart Parker 
