Rebels Men face Blaze in Essex Derby

On Sunday 24 November, the Essex Rebels men’s Volleyball team return to the University of Essex Sport Centre for an Essex Derby, facing the Essex Blaze for their fourth game of the season. The Rebels men are coming off a win against the London Giants and are currently sitting in first place of the Men’s Super League. The Rebels men have had a strong start to their season, having yet to lose a game nor a set.  

The team is being lead by a star-studded cast with Daven Pascal leading the league in offensive efficiency as well as blocks per set. His teammates Euan Fraser, Thomas Jefferson, and Thomas Shatimehin join him in the top ten of the league’s offensive players. Cam Kern sits in second for league setter stats, and Lefteris Ioannou leads the league in receiver rating. 

Their opponents this weekend, the Essex Blaze, are coming off a win against the London Giants but are sitting in eighth place in the Men’s Super League, with a record of 1-3. Some Blaze players to look out for in this matchup are Troy Simpson, who plays with the Rebels players on the Essex Blades BUCS Volleyball team and sits in ninth in the league for blocks per set, and Dorian Poinc who sits in fourth for serving and receiving stats in the league. This matchup should make an interesting match where friends become opponents, and tensions may rise high. 

Ahead of the game, head coach Alex Porter had the following to say.  

“This weekend’s Essex derby will be an exciting encounter for multiple reasons. Former Rebels and Blades athletes will compete against this years Rebels to be crowned the kings of Essex. Both teams know each other well so expect some long rallies and get excited for the first ever Essex Super League derby!”