Reading came back from one set deficit to win their first Division 1 match with 3-1 set.

Reading started off slow with poor passing and inability to pick up easy balls and tips. Sheffield capitalised by keeping it tight and closed out the set 25-17 leaving the Reading players looking a forlorn batch.

After a strong team talk by Coach/setter Giannis Manolakis, the team regrouped for the 2nd set performing high quality volleyball with powerful serve by Tomek Swierczek and Dimitris Balagiannis as well as solid blocking from Nico di Leo and Keith Paskins in their debut in NV1. Despite Sheffield’s organised defence, Reading managed to mend the holes and convincingly win the 2nd set 25-18.

As Reading confidence grew, their Polish/English star Karol Kowalski began to open his shoulders and assisted Reading to a comfortable win 25-14 on the third set. While on the final set Sheffield looked rejected and the boisterous, Reading bench drove their team home, libero Ian Horman kept a consistent passing and helped setter Giannis Manolakis to dictate the pace of the attack. A last ditch attempt from Sheffield to level the match came too late as Reading powered the last ball and won the set 25-22 and the game.

Next week, Reading will go back to Sheffield to play against cup holders Sheffield I.

To see the Table and more information about the action on NV1 follow the link http://www.volleyballengland.org/National_League/Mens_1.php