Kilmarnock Blaze played Troon Prestwick and Ayr, in the John Syer Trophy this week.  On paper, Kilmarnock were the stronger team, however with a couple of first team regulars out injured, some second team players were forced to make the jump up to the first team. 

Kilmarnock started with Grant Young in the setter position, for the injured Colin Giles, and after a shaky start the hitters acclimatised to the change in setter the Blaze took control of the set.  After Mark Lawson put in a run of serves, Kilmarnock had a commanding lead in the set, and despite a mini come back from Troon, Killie took the set 25-20.

The second set was much closer, with neither team managing to build a meaningful lead.  Kilmarnock were staying in the set thanks to the hitting of Stuart Edgar and John Hollis, however Troon put together a string of points to gave them a lead late in the set.  Killie saved two set points, however Troon converted the third to take the set 26-24.

The Blaze’s intensity increased in the third set, and took an early lead.  The teams traded points in the middle of the set, but when Euan Duncan went up to the service line, he put the set beyond doubt.  Killie finished the set with a block from first team new boy, Calum Bryson, to win 25-19.

Killie started stronger in the forth set, taking an early lead thanks to the serving of Stewart Caldwell.  Troon fought back, but never really got into contention in the set.  Stuart Edgar’s hitting proved to powerful for the young Troon team, and Killie took the final set 25-20, giving them the match 3-1.

Kilmarnock Blaze would like to welcome anyone interested to their recreational volleyball sessions, Thursday evenings from 7-8 at St Josephs Academy, £2 per person, no previous experience needed.

Stewart Caldwell

KVC Press Officer