JERSEY’S teenagers exacted revenge on behalf of their senior colleagues with two wins from two in the 2022 junior volleyball inter-insular.
Following a whitewash for Guernsey in the men’s and women’s matches last month, the hosts secured the mixed and boys under-18s titles at Haute Vallée School – the latter in straight sets.
Guernsey were forced to play catch-up for the majority of the mixed battle, but it was a challenge they met with impressive resilience. Having trailed 18-12, they drew level at 19-19 in the first set – before Leon Gouzinis helped steer Jersey to a 25-20 win with a string of dangerous serves – and the Sarnians claimed the second set 25-19 following a six-point run late on; aided by a handful of imposing blocks by Tom Fyfe.
Imogen Giles offered the visitors a platform to attack with solid sets but Jersey’s strength soon told, with Jess Cadiou, Bethan Thomas, Xenia Crocker and Kyle Fernandes all making their presence felt alongside Gouzinis and outside hitter Seth Ruelle.
Guernsey were offered a reprieve at 15-11 in the third set – they thought they were playing a best-of-three match, and were ready to shake hands – but there was little threat of the tables being turned. Jersey powered on to claim the third 25-14 before seeing the game out with a 25-10 success in the fourth.
Jacob Hodgson, Dylan Thomaidis and Jason Da Costa then joined Gouzinis, Ruelle and Fernandes on court to secure the double, with the boys trophy staying in Jersey thanks to a 25-16, 25-22, 25-13 victory.
Jersey: Seth Ruelle, Kyle Fernandes, Leon Gouzinis, Jacob Hodgson, Dylan Thomaidis, Jason da Costa, Jessica Cadiou, Bethan Thomas, Xenia Crocker. Coaches: Nicki Appleton, Paul Adamson.
