A late FBS at St Augustine’s High saw Kilmarnock take on a strong Polonia Jets team away from home. The home team seemed like they were up for the game showing very strong and powerful hitting in the warm up. However, this became irrelevant in the game, as Jets couldn’t use there full hitting strength.

Kilmarnock started the game with a tall side, which allowed us to set up a strong block defence unit, allowing us to absorb all that was coming over the net. Neil McCallum was back into action today, starting as a passer hitter. McCallum and veteran Gary McGuire controlled the main part of the court, allowing the offence to run and be varied by the setter, Grant Young. Young was able to bring his middles in throughout the game, allowing Calum Bryson and Angus Mitchell to hit past their opposing number. Taking the first set comfortably, the “French connection” was introduced into Kilmarnock’s New Middle Robert … (Bob) started the 2nd set. Bob came on and played very well, serving very strongly pinning down the weak passers in the Jets team. This new boost from Bob took the 2nd set comfortably.

Serving seemed to be the issue of the day as many of the Kilmarnock serves were just out, and no more. But Gordon Traynor stepped up to the service line and put 5 serves into court, pinning down the weak passers in the Jets team. This allowed our strong block defence unit to set up and take control, winning the 3rd set and taking the game out of reach of the Jets team.

With the game won, our libero Barry Chambers retired himself from the game leaving our middles on during their back-court stint. Kilmarnock then slightly lifted their foot off the gas as Jets were able to get back into the game, challenging for the set at some points. But a time out called by Captain McGuire regrouped the team and ironed out the areas where we were losing points. Strong blocking and clever serving tactics allowed the team to get back into the game and win the 4th and also the final set. 

Calum Bryson

Kilmarnock Press Officer