Rebels NVL Men Show Dominant Display against Leeds Gorse
In a thrilling National Super League matchup, the Essex Rebels hosted Leeds Gorse in a highly anticipated clash. The home team, led by head coach Alex Porter, was determined to make a statement in their first game back after the festive break, and they did so emphatically. The away team, coached by the experienced Pete Makowski from Poland, boasts a successful junior academy system, but they faced a formidable challenge against the Essex Rebels.
Essex Rebels recently re-signed crowd favourite Aldrin Rena, adding to the excitement surrounding the team. The match unfolded with an electric atmosphere as fans eagerly anticipated the clash between the two teams who went 3:2 before Christmas.
The final result favoured the home team, Essex Rebels, who secured a convincing 3:0 victory over Leeds Gorse. The dominance of the Rebels was evident in the set scores: 25:17 in the first two sets and 25:13 in the third set.
The first set saw outstanding performances from Thomas Shatimehin and Will Ragland, who displayed exceptional service pressure and offensive prowess. Their dynamic play set the tone for Essex Rebels’ control over the match.
In the second set, the introduction of Aldrin Rena added a new dimension to the Essex Rebels’ game. Rena, a crowd favourite, brought energy and skill to the court, making a significant impact. Andrew Wood dominated the middle, finishing the game with a perfect 11 kills from 11 attacks, showcasing the depth of talent across the Rebels’ roster.
The third set witnessed stellar defensive play from Lefteris Ioannou, whose exceptional serve receive and defensive skills thwarted Leeds Gorse’s attempts to stage a comeback. Ioannou’s ability to read the opponent’s plays and convert them into scoring opportunities for Essex Rebels further solidified the team’s commanding performance.
Aldrin Rena was rightfully awarded the crowd-voted MVP for his impactful contribution to the team’s success, while Thomas Shatimehin earned the players MVP for his consistent and outstanding performance throughout the match.
After the game, Coach Alex Porter expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “The Essex Rebels dominated in serve receive and offense today, demonstrating why we are serious title contenders. I’m looking forward to seeing this team continue to grow over the next 100 days.” The comprehensive victory for Essex Rebels showcased their potential as a force to be reckoned with in the National Super League. With todays win Essex Rebels, solidify their 4th spot in the league and are only 2 points adrift from Durham Palatinates.
Essex Rebels 3 : 0 Leeds Gorse
25:17, 25:17, 25:1
by Tara King
