Malory Eagles (reserves) beat Richmond (National Shield)
26:24 25:20 25:21
Stags Felled
The Eagles pulled off a shock result in this year’s National Shield with a 3-0 victory over Richmond.

Richmond braved the cold weather, arriving at an icy Beechcroft Road missing two of their normal squad. Richmond setter/coach Dave Rijvers led his team in a muted but confident warm up against Malory Reserves (a combination of their London league premier & 2nd division teams). With an effective two division advantage (Richmond are currently fourth in National Division Two), all expected a comfortable win for the Stags against Malory (also missing a couple of players).

Reserves coach John Lowney’s starting line-up comprised juniors Theo Spencer (setter) and Daniel Donegan (wing attack), regulars Rafal Wlodarski (wing attack), Benoit Disch (middle attack), David Jenkinson (libero) & Graham McConney (middle attack), and captain Robbert van Heel (opposite attack). On the bench for Malory were Roger Mullings, Carlos Johnson, Simon Ojomoh and Jordon Dalrymple.

Set one began with a run of sublime jump float serves from Spencer (currently part of the GB development squad for London 2012) which gave Malory the first three points. Richmond soon got themselves on the scoreboard but remained a few points behind the hosts. Solid play making from the youngster Spencer and powerful attacks from captain van Heel opened the Eagles lead to an impressive 17-10 before Richmond called their first time out. The interruption worked as Richmond clawed their way back into the set forcing Lowney to call his men in at 18-all. The teams, neither firing on all cylinders, exchanged points to 23 but Malory held out to win 26-24.

A disappointed Richmond strode on for the second set determined not to be victims of a giant killing. The Eagles, confident but sluggish, took the first point but allowed Richmond to establish a small lead. Solid defensive work from Jenkinson and continued pressure from van Heel kept Malory in contention until another serving run from Spencer took them ahead. A timeout from Richmond failed to upset Malory who pushed on to win, 25-20.

As set three began, it was clear that Malory would resist whatever pressure Richmond applied. The teams stayed level initially but Malory's patchy but superior attack began to grind down the visitors once again. They established a small lead and resisted a mid-set recovery from Richmond. Starting to relax, Eagles Donegan and Disch joined van Heel in opening up the attack and suppressing resistance from a now deflated Richmond team. Malory eased on to take set three; 25-21.

Against the form-book, Malory Eagles Reserves had defeated National League Richmond with a convincing 3-0 scoreline. The Eagles will be playing York, Middlesbrough College 2 or Birmingham University (all National League teams) in the quarter finals on February 6th.

In the National Cup, the match between Malory Eagles 1st team and Oxford Students didn’t happen as Oxford failed to make the trip. Malory Eagles have been awarded the game.

Ernest Bevin College, Tooting, London : 9 January 2010