Welwyn and Hatfield Volleyball Club 2008-09 News

News	Welwyn & Hatfield Volleyball Club

News updated 11:00
17th August

Indoor Training begins Monday 13th September

At the AGM last night it was confirmed that indoor training for the 2010/11 season will begin on Monday 13th September, 7-9pm at the Gosling. Steve will take sessions for the first couple of weeks, and will then hand over to our new coach Guy for the season. Summer play continues on Monday evenings at Burnham Green (weather permitting) from 6.30pm till dusk.
AGM Timechange: Tomorrow 8pm

To allow for some play beforehand, the AGM has been moved to start at 8pm Monday 16th August in the White Horse pub at Burnham Green. Guy will chair the meeting - please email him with any last minute items.
AGM Monday 16th August 19.00 - 21.00

A reminder that the club AGM is due to take place next monday 16th August from 7-9pm in The White Horse Pub at Burnham Green. Steve would like all members to confirm ASAP whether they can attend or not please - if there are not enough people (or people want the time changed), then we may have to reschedule. The club runs as informally as possible, but remember that there are a few roles that are extremely necessary, so if anybody wants to offer themselves up for the following, please also let Steve know:

Coach
Captains (currently 3 positions: - Welwyn Ladies, Welwyn men and Hatfield Men)
Treasurer
Fixtures secretary
Tournaments secretary
Social Events organiser
Webmaster
Upcoming Coach and Referee Courses

The HVA/EVA are organising a number of Refereeing and Coaching courses in the near future. Obviously it's important for the progression of our club if we can get some more people qualified in these capacities, and it's great experience for the participants. It's possible (though I don't have this confirmed yet) that the Club may be able to offer financial support for the cost of these courses to members. The courses (one definite, two to be confirmed when numbers known) are shown below. Please email the appropriate contacts with your interest ASAP (end of June suggested).

Coach Level 1: 3 days over two weekends in September 2010, cost ~ £150, email Mick
Coach Level 2: 6/7th and 12/13th November 2010, cost £160, email Paul Westhead
Referee Grade 4 (and scorer) : one full weekend (9.30-17.00), cost ~ £50, email Glynn or Sebastien

Ladies in the news again

Our Ladies team are in the Welwyn & Hatfield Times again this week. With a great photo too - make sure to get your copy!
Loads of Cup Final Photos

Courtesy of Steve, we now have loads of Cup Final Photos.
They did us proud - best game ever!!

In what was the best game I've ever seen the Ladies (and possibly the whole club!) ever play, Welwyn lost the final today to Watford 3-0. But every set was so closely fought with fantastic rallies. I'm sure a fuller report will be coming , but for now, here's one photo I took: we proudly present the HVA Ladies KO Cup 2010 runners-up:
!! GO GIRLS !!

Today's the day - don't miss it. You need to be able to say "I was there...". The Ladies Cup Final takes place at 12 noon, Rudolf Steiner School, Kings Langley. WHVC expects......
Ladies in the News!

The Ladies team are featured in an article to appear in this week's Welwyn & Hatfield Times, available now on the Welwyn & Hatfield Times website. Remember the Cup Final takes place this Sunday 16th May at Rudolf Steiner School, Kings Langley, starting with warmup at 11.30am warm-up. It's confirmed that there will be a BBQ (with free drinks!), so bring the family and support the girls! The full day's schedule is below:

Ladies Warm-Up 11:30

Ladies Match (Watford vs Welwyn) Start 12:00

followed by Ladies Cup Awards

Junior Match 14:00

Mens Warm-Up 15:00

Mens Match (Enfield vs Luton Lions) Start 15:30

followed by Mens Cup Awards

followed by (free) Drinks & League Awards

Rudolf Steiner boys will be providing BBQ

This is a fantastic feat for the Ladies in only their second season: they deserve our support - come and cheer them on!!
Sunday 16th May - THE CUP FINAL

Sunday 16th May sees our Ladies team in the KO cup final against Watford YMCA at Rudolf Steiner School, Kings Langley. The day starts at 11.30am warm-up, followed by Ladies' final at 12 noon, Juniors' at 2pm, and Men's 3pm. There's usually nets for outside play and a barbecue too, so bring the family for a fun day out, watch some great volleyball, and cheer the Ladies on!! Go Girls!.
Outside play begins Monday 10th May

Outside play begins on Burnham Green (AL6 0EZ for sat navs) this Monday 10th May, starting 6-6.30pm until dusk (informal games, all welcome, weather permitting). Note that directions and weather forecast can always be found by clicking the relevant images at the top of this page. There is also an extra (closed) indoor training session for the Ladies team at the Gosling from 8-10pm.
3-0 and we're in the final!!

What an absolutely fabulous performance! The Ladies beat Harriers Ravens convincingly 3-0 tonight, and for the first time ever (I think), WHVC have a team in the KO cup final!! Well done girls! Roll of honour: Christine, Mashka, Valentina, Junko, Helen, Fiona and Amanda and absolutely fabulous coaching from the side by Lynne. Date for the diaries: 16th May, Rudolf Steiner School, Kings Langley: the final Welwyn Ladies v Watford YMCA or Enfield.
**TONIGHT** Match of the season **TONIGHT**

With the season drawing to a close, tonight, Monday 26th April, sees the match of the season with the Ladies in action against Harriers Ravens in the semi-final of the KO Cup! This is the first time that I can remember WHVC getting this far in the cup, and for the Ladies to do it in only their second full season is truly fantastic. The match is away against Harriers Ravens starting at 8.45pm- it would be great to get a big crowd along to support. No pressure, but it's currently one each between the Ladies & Ravens, so they do stand a great chance of being in the final. Go Girls!!
Over to you, Ladies....

Last night, Welwyn & Hatfield men took on first division Enfield in the semi-final of the HVA KO Cup. What a performance! Though we lost 3-0, this scoreline does not reflect the incredibly high standard of play and closeness of the sets. Most went to scores around 25-19, with long rallies, strong attacks and great pickups. A few times we were even in the lead, but in the end Enfield prevailed. A game to be very proud of. But now, we must pass the torch to the Ladies in their semi-final on the 26th April. WHVC expects.....
KO Cup news

Both the Men's and Ladies teams are now through to the semi-finals of the KO Cup. Slightly unfortunately, this is due to concessions and disqualifications, but nevertheless is a great opportunity for the club. It's been a while since we had a presence this far on in the cup - let's make it count and get to the finals! Please keep an eye on the website for the dates and venues and make an effort to come along and support your teams in what should be thrilling matches.
Friendly cancelled - EXTENDED TRAINING

Tonight's (1st Feb) friendly is cancelled. However, the court is still booked till 10.30pm, so training will be extended with extra match play.
Hatfield top of Men's Div 2 mid-season!!

Congratulations to Hatfield who are top of Division 2 at the (more or less) mid-season mark. Welwyn are not doing quite so well at the bottom (but we've got a few matches in hand!!), and the Ladies are mid-table. Well balanced club, or what? Full HVA results are linked from our results page.
Friendly tonight and last week's photos

There is a friendly tonight against Harriers from 8.30pm - 10.30pm at the Gosling following normal training (which will finish early at 8.30). Steve has also kindly provided a link to last week's team photos, and some others taken at the Ladies' recent victory. I'll link these all up properly at a later date..
Welwyn & Hatfield reach semi-final of men's KO Cup

Milton Keynes have conceded their cup match against WHVC due to have been played on 29th March, which means that WHVC are in the semi-final of the men's knockout cup!! This is a fantastic opportunity for the club - we will face strong opposition in Vale Pirates or Enfield on a date yet to be set. Let's all work hard for this one, it'd be great to reach the final (and even better to win of course!).
Welwyn Ladies win 3-0

Well I only saw the first set - but what a set!! And obviously just the beginning.....I haven't seen the Ladies' team play in a match for a while, and boy did they impress. Fantastic stuff - real, professional looking volleyball with great teamwork and accomplished skills. Still time to win the season at this rate I reckon!! Webmaster
Friendly next Monday 1st Feb 8.30pm + Match changes

We have arranged for a friendly next monday 1st Feb against Harriers. Normal training will finish 8.30pm, and we will then play the friendly which will be open to all. Please note that there have been a number of other match date changes - please check the fixtures page for details.
13th January Welwyn away match POSTPONED

Due to the adverse weather conditions (again!) tonight's away match for Wewlyn v VK is POSTPONED.
Club Photos in kit

We would like to take some club photos in full match kit for the website etc - Monday 25th January is currently best date available, please could everyboy come in kit.
6th January Harriers match postponed

Due to the heavy snow, the Hatfield v Harriers match tonight is postponed. Apparenty court is still available - if anyone wants to go and play, please email Fiona ASAP.
Xmas & New Year Training

The last training of 2009 will take place as usual next Monday 21st December, but in Xmas Fancy Dress! Training then begins again on Monday 4th January 2010.
Hatfield march on with winning streak

In yet another nail-biting five setter, Hatfield continued their winning streak with a 3-2 victory over Vale Volleyers on saturday.
Hatfield match Saturday 28th November - change of venue

Note that the Hatfield match this Saturday 28th November will now be played at the Hertfordshire SportsVillage, starting 4pm prompt.
One weekend...three teams....THREE VICTORIES!!

The weekend of the season (so far...)!! All three WHVC teams won their matches over the weekend. For the Ladies, this is their first league victory - and well deserved. Extra press-ups tonight for celebration.
Xmas dinner date vote

It's looking like the 12th December is not so good for people for the Xmas dinner. Please send an email to Julia ASAP expressing your preference for Friday 4th, Saturday 5th or Friday 11th December. Remember venue is "Brasserie Gerard" in Hertford (menu) - everybody and partners welcome.
Change of Berkhamsted Match Venue

Please note that Berkhamsted have changed their match venue (and time) this season. Therefore the Ladies match this Sunday 22nd November is now at 5.15 at Rudolf Steiner School in Kings Langley.
Christmas Dinner Venue

A venue has been found for our Christmas meal on Saturday 12th December..."Brasserie Gerard" in Hertford (Fore Street). The cost is £23.95 for a three-course meal (and there will be a 10% servicecharge). As we need to pay 10% deposit, can you confirm if you will be coming along? Partners are welcome too of course. Please take a look at the menu as we also need to choose what we are having beforehand..send your choices and confirmation to Julia asap.
Ladies take VK to 5 sets!!

In only their second game of the season, Welwyn Ladies took VK Barnet to 5 sets last night, and even to 15 all in the fifth!! VK were last season's Women's Champions, so this is an absolutely brilliant result - well done to all!
Victory for Hatfield in first match of season!!

In a presumably thrilling debut to the season (there is now a match report), Hatfield won 3-2 away to Hawks. Well done all. Of course, their next match may be a different story, being against Welwyn :-)
An Early Christmas Present.....

Our incredibly forward thinking and well organised social reps have come up with a date for the Club Xmas Party (!!). Please keep Saturday 12th December free - suggestions for theme/venue etc welcome to Julia.
Don't forget extra training!

Hi all - don't forget we have extra training tonight (match play) 9-10pm following the normal session. Please make the most of this - it's always requested to have more games and team/tactics training, so here it is - use it and enjoy!! Plus, this Saturday 17th October sees the first of our "guest" coaching sessions - please email Fiona if interested (numbers limited, and it's nearly full!).
Extra training Monday nights

Starting this coming Monday 5th October for six weeks, there will be an extra hour's training after the normal session (i.e. from 9pm to 10pm) dedicated to matchplay - all welcome.
Extra coaching sessions by National League Coach!!

We have arranged three extra coaching sessions by a guest National League coach on the following dates. These sessions are funded directly by the Club, and are free to members. Please take advantage of them, they will be a great opportunity for us all. Contact Fiona to register your interest ASAP.

Saturday 17th October - 845AM to 1045AM
Saturday 24th October - 4PM to 6PM
Wednesday 16th December - 8PM to 10PM

**Training Starts Monday 21st September **

Well, the summer's over. But that means the "real" Volleyball season starts again!!!. 2009/10 Indoor training starts this Monday 21st September, 7-9pm at the Gosling. Looking forward to seeing everybody back, along with some new faces too.
Bank Holiday Date Correction - apologies!

As usual, my awareness of the calendar is c%$p. Next monday, Bank Holiday, is of course the 31st August. Yes, the fete and gig are on the Monday. My apologies - webmaster.
Monday 30th August + Indoor training start date and net touch rule changes

Next Monday (30th August) there will be a fete on Burnham Green from 2pm. This includes a flypast with a real Spitfire (usually about 4pm). Everybody's very welcome to come to that, and our very own Guy & Nigel will be playing a gig at the Pub (The White Horse) from 5-7pm. Volleyball may or may not be on depending on whether the fete finishes on time or not.

Indoor training will start on Monday 21st September, 7-9pm at the Gosling. Note that next season, new rules come in regarding net touches - we have a video that hopefully helps to explain these, even if it is in Polish :-) .

The player (link removed 26th Feb 2010 - please download video) below should (after a short time buffering) start automatically - try clicking the play button a couple of times if not - and you can then double click on the playing video to go full screen. If the player does not work, then you can download the video, but please be aware it is a large file (about 30MB).

Here is an extract from the Rules of the Game on the Volleyball England website explaining the changes:

"The removal of the phrase “in the action of playing the ball” from the net fault rule has allowed a major evolution in the game designed to keep the ball flying. After hundreds of test matches, it was clear that the concept was workable. Blockers hitting the net on the way up to block, or spikers falling into the net after the hit would no longer be committing a fault. Neither would setters contacting the mesh of the net as they played. But hitting the top band of the net or taking support from the net would be classed as interfering with play – hence these actions would still be whistled as faults. Contact with the opponent’s court with any part of the body above the feet would also be permitted, in conjunction with the net rule. This extends the current centre line rule. But if the contact interferes with an opponent physically, or with the opponent’s ability to play the ball, then it would be considered a fault. Both these major changes to the rules were intended to share with the rest of the world the benefits seen during the tests – namely their ability to keep the ball flying. And it is a proven ability. Already in national federations where both rules are employed there has been a marked increase in net crossings and an increased interest in the game."
Bordon Pictures + Guildford 16th August

Checkout the great pictures from Bordon (thanks Dimitri). Plus, Olga (surely the star of those pix....) is organising a team for Guildford on Sunday 16th August. Who could resist? Please contact her ASAP if you want to be a part of that.
Yet more tournament (and beach play) news....

Well you've seen it on the TV, you know you want to try it for real. Bikinis and bermuda shorts optional!

WHVC outdoor tournaments present the Brighton Beach experience: Sat 29th Aug from 2-5pm. We are booking a sand court at the Nivea Yellow wave beach centre.

Come down just for the afternoon or stay on in the evening too. If you are really keen there's camping available (bring own tent) and you can sample the Brighton summer nightlife.

Please get back to me soon if you want to come. VB Cost will be about £4-7 to cover court hire depending on numbers.

In addition: EVF Tournament (Norwich) series 2009/10

Every year, the Eastern Volleyball Federation runs a series of one day (approx. one sunday per month) tournaments, with cumulative league results throughout the series. These are really good, but tough, events based at the UEA Sportspark in Norwich. Proper indoor sixes, mens or womens (not mixed unfortunately), and a high standard of play. To get the best out of these (and it is well worth it) we need to be able to submit large enough teams (at least seven or eight members) and be able to commit (not necessarily same team members!) to the whole series. We haven't played this tournament for a few years, but I think the club is big enough and strong enough now to stage a comeback - it would be fantastic if we could enter all our league teams in this tournament. All are encouraged to consider this seriously: dates on tournaments page.
More news from the Tournament Sec....

If anyone fancies playing at Bordon this coming Sunday (19 July), we may have one dropout, so one place to fill in the six contact me if interested.
Nobody has got back to me about Brentwood so we wont be doing that one.
The other events coming up towards the end of August are possible play on Brighton beach and Richmond outdoor. I'll let you know nearer the time.
** LATE START TONIGHT MON 13TH JULY**

Vernon who generously provides his net for us cannot make play tonight. By unfortunate coincidence, our spare net was leant to Harriers last week for their tournament. It's being delivered back tonight, but is not likely to arrive until 7pm. THEREFORE PLAY TONIGHT WILL NOT START UNTIL 7pm EARLIEST.
Tournament news

A good performance at Harriers FourPlay by all accounts (team picture). Here's a message from the Tournaments Secretary about that and upcoming tournaments, particularly Brentwood on the 1st & 2nd August......

Thanks to all who played at the Harriers tournament. We had 11 people turn up and fielded two mixed teams, both of whom won half their matches and finished 3/5 in their divisions. There were some strong teams there so it was not a bad result. We also had 3 other people who joined with some girls there and had some sucesses too.

This is your second call for the Brentwood tournament. We have 3 people so far and need another 3 to make up a team so please get back to me this week if you want to play.

At Harriers tournament, we had one person who just turned up on the day without emailing me back or confirming or anything. They were fitted in, but this can't always happen as entry fees have to be paid up front and teams organised etc.
The Summer so far......

Weather has been glorious on Burnham Green, but turnout's been lower than expected for such good weather. Come on you lot, you're missing out! Tournaments so far: we have pictures from Ashcombe 4s, and don't forget Harriers FourPlay coming up this weekend.
WHVC AGM - Minutes

We have the minutes from the AGM - thanks Helen. Soon to come - unofficial minutes from HVA AGM..
Brighton Beach

We have a collection of pictures from Brighton courtesy of Fiona and Dimitri.
WHVC AGM - Monday 1st June

The club AGM will take place in the White Horse Pub on Burnham Green (following normal monday play) starting at 8.30pm. Please make every effort to attend - it's your club and what's decided at this meeting affects how everything works next season! Come and have your say......
Sunday 17th May - KO Finals and League Presentations

The HVA KO cup finals and league presentations will take place on Sunday 17th May at Rudolf Steiner School, Kings Langley from 12 noon. This is always a good occasion, with barbecue and friendly outside play as well as high quality volleyball finals to watch (inside). There's still a chance for Wasps to have come second in the league too.....
Cambridge and other Tournament news

Unfortunately, Cambridge has been cancelled this year owing to venue problems, but we still have many tournaments listed on our tournaments page, including a Veterans tournament in Peterborough (date to be announced), and a 4s in Wimbledon on 16th May! Please email our tournaments' sec with expressions of interest.
Wasps win final game of season

In an often thrilling game, Wasps won their final match of the season tonight 3-1. According to my calculations, if the outstanding Watford game in the league tables is the one they lost against Wasps, then Wasps will have finished second in the league!! It's possible that RSS, with two games unaccounted for may squeeze us into third, but I think that's the lowest we can go - well done everybody. Hornets finished sixth, and Honeys (in their first season) seventh after continual and sustained improvement. Many thanks to all, and congratulations - let's have fun in the summer and win loads of tournaments.
Bank Holiday Monday - start of Summer Play

Guy and Nigel (Soundbites) are playing a gig at the White Horse pub on Burnham Green on Monday 4th May at 4pm to which you're all invited. If the weather remains good, we will then have our first outside play on the green at 6.30pm. Directions and weather forecasts can be found by clicking the linked images above. Please email Fiona if you think you're going tobe able to make it.
Last Wasps match 7pm Saturday 2nd May!

The last match of the season will be Wasps v Harriers at the Gosling this Saturday 2nd May at 7pm. As many people as possible (please!) are encouraged to come along - we may be short of both players and officials! Please email Bob with your availability.
Last training of 2009 - Monday 27th April including last Honeys' match!

The last indoor training session of 2009 will be on Monday 27th April from 7-8pm., followed at 8pm by Honeys' last match of the season v Berhamsted. It would be really good if everybody could stay to support (and officiate for!) the girls in their last match of their first season. Then we all adjourn to the bar to celebrate the victory of course!
**POSTPONED** Wasps match Sat 4th April - Officials needed TONIGHT 1st APRIL

The Wasps match this Saturday 4th April is postponed. This is one of a number of fixture changes recently. We are finding it increasingly difficult to raise teams, and particularly officials for our home matches. If we want to take part in the league, then the club's home matches have to be officiated, or we automatically lose the match. Please make every effort to volunteer to referee or score on match days. In particular, the girls need a scorer and second referee tonight Weds 1st April, Gosling 8pm - please volunteer to Fiona.
Wasps v VK Barnet

...and another unbelievable match! After losing the first 2 sets, Wasps staged a magnificent comeback to match point in the fifth v VK Barnet on Saturday, only losing in the end to an unlucky net-trickling ball. It was the second time we've taken VK (who have not lost a match this season and top the league) to 5 sets. An absolutely astonishing performance, once again evidence of Wasps full potential when we believe in ourselves. We have three matches left this season to build on this remarkable, but deserved level of play - let's win all three in a blaze of glory!
Honeys v Vale

Man what a match! I ref'ed Honeys match against Vale Vixens this wednesday, and I could hardly believe the change in their level of play. I've not seen the girls play a match for quite a while, and I was completely blown away by their performance. The individual skill levels put the rest of us to shame I think: digs were clean and accurate, sets were high, and some of the hitting was phenomenal! The 3-1 score line doesn't really do the match justice, every set was really close and hard-fought. Well done all.
Fixture date changes

Quite a few matches have been re-arranged lately - please check our fixtures pages to confirm dates or risk turning up where you're not supposed to the week before you're meant to.
Summer Tournaments

Some Summer Tournament details are beginning to trickle in - please keep an eye on our Tournaments page, and mail the tournaments secretary if you're available and want to play.
Saturday 14th February **CANCELLED**

The matchplay practice advertised below for this Saturday 14th February is **CANCELLED**.
Match News: changes and possible friendly/match practice

Wasps have two home matches postponed. First, the match v Vale originally scheduled for 24th January will now take place on Saturday 28th February, 4pm at the Gosling. Secondly, the match v VK Barnet on the 14th February is now postponed until Saturday 28th March, 4pm at the Gosling (provisional). We will keep the court on Saturday 14th for an intra-club friendly/match practice - please email Fiona ASAP to let her know if you can make this date.
We need a Tournament Secretary

Our previous Tournament Secretary is now Fixtures Secretary, and we need a volunteer to take over as Tournament Secretary please. Job entails finding out about Summer Tournaments, getting teams together and booking them in. Please volunteer to the coach, the Summer Tournaments are always a good day out, but they don't organise themselves!
Officiate at the 2012 Olympics!!

Who wants to officiate at the 2012 Olympics?.
Training cancelled tonight Monday 2nd February

Owing to the adverse weather conditions, tonight's training session is **cancelled**.
Match play practice this Weds 28th January

The friendly is cancelled, but we still have the court so we will have mixed match play practice from 8 - 10pm this Wednesday 28th January at the Gosling - all welcome, please come along.
Training cancelled tonight Monday 2nd February

Owing to the adverse weather conditions, tonight's training session is **cancelled**.
Match play practice this Weds 28th January

The friendly is cancelled, but we still have the court so we will have mixed match play practice from 8 - 10pm this Wednesday 28th January at the Gosling - all welcome, please come along.
Honeys match Wed 28th January changed to MIXED FRIENDLY

The Honeys match at home to Harriers this Wednesday 28th January is POSTPONED owing to the fact (again!!) that we can't raise a team. Instead we will play a mixed friendly against Harriers - all welcome.
**POSTPONED** Wasps match Saturday 24th January **POSTPONED**

The Wasps match at home to Vale this Saturday 24th January is POSTPONED owing to the fact that we can't raise a team. Next Wasps match is at home to VK Barnet on Saturday 14th February at 4pm. Obviously this date raises some problems, please email Bob ASAP with your availability.
Honeys friendly 18th February

Honeys have a friendly arranged v for 8.30pm Wednesday 18th February at the Gosling. Please confirm your availability for this match to Lynne or Fiona. Note: we will also need refs and a scorer - again please let Lynne or Fiona know your availability for this.
Honeys match Sunday 18th POSTPONED

The Honeys match away to Vale this Sunday 18th January has been ** POSTPONED **.
Xmas Curry

As below, next monday 22nd is the last training of 2008. We will be going for the traditional Xmas Curry to Bipash in Woodhall at around 9.15 or 9.30. Everybody welcome.
Xmas break details

The last training of 2008 will be on Monday 22nd December. We resume training in 2009 on Monday 5th January, and that week will see a flurry of games with Honeys at home to VK on Wednesday 7th, Hornets at home to Harriers on the 10th, and Wasps away to Vale on the 11th. Better lay off the Xmas Pudd....... Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all!!
Wasps v RSS tonight 10th December **ON**

We are assuming the Wasps v RSS match tonight, Wed 10th December, is ** ON ** starting 8pm at Gosling..
13th December Honeys/Hornets friendly CANCELLED

The Hornets v Honeys friendly this Saturday 13th December is cancelled. As yet I still cannot confirm the Xmas Friendly tomorrow as announced below.
Probable Friendly 10th December

Though I yet to have absolute confirmation that the Wasps v RSS match on the 10th December (next Wednesday) is cancelled, this is very likely. Therefore we propose to have a "Christmas Friendly" between Wasps and Hornets starting 8pm at the Gosling, Weds 10th December. Silly hats optional. If certain people still have their furry handcuffs, then they are obviously compulsory.
Xmas party

Don't forget that the Christmas Party is on Friday 12th December at ASK in Old Stevenage. Please remember to confirm your attendance to Julia or Will ASAP.
Watford shocked by the Ladies!

By all accounts a fantastic performance by a tightly knit Honeys side on Wednesday nearly took Watford (usual winners of the Ladies League) to 5 sets. Even hampered by injury (hope the thumb is OK Junko), they were 17 all in the 4th set! Great news - well done all.
Referees course February 2009

The Essex Volleyball Association are running a Referees course over two days, 7th and 8th February 2008 for a mere £25. The course is examined, and will lead to you becoming a qualified referee! This is a great opportunity, and we encourage members to take advantage of it.
Wasps bow out of Cup with heads held high!

After the somewhat lack-lustre performance v Watford on Sunday, Wasps were a different team tonight against Enfield. Brilliant performance with long, tough rallies and closely fought all the way (barely a set under 20 points!). In the end, Enfield (a Division 1 team) managed to grab the 3-1 win. Definitely a match to be proud of though, our best performance this season by far: let's keep it up.
Something from the weekend...

Honeys had a good game on Sunday (so I've been told), but unfortunately lost 0-3 to Berkhamsted - match reports always welcome! Wasps did not have a very good game, but did manage a win against Watford, 3-1.
VK beat Hornets 3-0

A very strong VK Barnet team somewhat overwhelmed Hornets last night. For a while in the second set it looked like Hornets had opened up a few cracks in the VK defence, but despite some very exciting rallies, in the end VK rallied and took a deserved win.
IMPORTANT - Change of time for Wasps away to Watford Sunday 23rd Nov

The Wasps match away to Watford this Sunday 23rd November ** WILL START AT 7pm **, not 5pm as mistakenly announced on Monday. Sorry for any confusion.
Time and tide.........

A fantastic battle by Hornets forced Wasps to concede on time last saturday in the return Derby. What a brilliant game, certainly the best Hornets performance yet this season!!
First Honeys Match & Change of date for next Hornets match

Well I wasn't there, but in their first match of the Season Honeys put up a brave fight against VK Barnet, losing in the end 0-3. This was our first ever (to my knowledge) women's team match, so well done all, and we look forward to their victory over Berkhamsted on 23rd November. Note also that the friendly between Hornets and Honeys has been moved to 13th December, and the Hornets home match against VK Barnet brought forward to Wednesday 19th November, 8pm at the Gosling.
When the going gets tough......

....as they say, the tough get going. Well it doesn't get much tougher in Div 2 than away to RSS, reigning champions for the last 2 years since some other crowd called Welwyn won in 2005/6. Damn, there were some good rallies, and we pushed them all the way, but unfortunately lost 15-13 in the fifth. A great performance, and still only match two in the season. Well played everybody, especially Julia who more than held her own in a really hard game. We'll beat them at home....... :-). Commiserations to Karl who aggravated an old injury before even playing a ball, we all hope he has a swift recovery. Next match is Honeys away to VK Barnet on Wednesday, followed by Derby version 2 with Wasps at home to Hornets, 2pm on saturday. As always, everybody is very welcome at all these matches - come and support your club!
Fireworks for Hornets!

Last night, 5th November, in an enthralling match Hornets beat Vale Volleyers 3-0. The scoreline was tight all the way through, with the lead changing hands a number of times each set, but Hornets held their nerve to gain a well-deserved win - the full match report is available from the results pages. Well done all, let's hope Wasps and Honeys can continue the WHVC winning streak in their upcoming matches this weekend and next week. Unfortunately, the winning streak must come to an end for either Wasps or Hornets next Saturday 15th November with the second installment of the Wasps-Hornets Derby - remember this match starts at the earlier time of 2pm.
Xmas Party Friday 12th December

Our extremely efficient Social Secretaries have confirmed that this year's Xmas Party will be on Friday 12th December (venue/theme etc. yet to be decided), so book out that day in those hectic festive diaries.
Hornets put up brave fight against Berkhamsted

In only their second match of the season, Hornets faced 1st Division Berkhamsted in the first round of the KO cup last night. Though losing 0-3 in the end, they fought brilliantly, improving the score line each set and oh-so-nearly taking Berko to a 4th set, but finally losing 15-25, 18-25, 21-25. Definitely a perfomance to be proud of against a strong team that regularly do very well in the cup - lots more to look forward to this season - well done team and we hope that the injuries sustained by Nigel and Andy are not serious.
Wasps win Derby! Hornets Cup tie Sunday

Well, one helluva game!! Well played both teams, fantastic rallies on both sides, but in the end Wasps emerged triumphant at 3-1. Many thanks particularly to Honeys for a very well officiated first game of the season. As a club, from last night's experience, we're gonna have to make sure to start all home matches strictly on time to avoid losing by time defaults though. If both teams can manage to maintain (or better still, improve on) last night's standard of committment and skill it should be a great season for WHVC.

The next match is a first round Cup tie: Hornets away to Berkhamsted this Sunday 26th October at 5pm. Good luck Hornets, as always (particularly for the Cup) supporters encouraged!!
Derby tonight 20th October 7-9pm

Tonight (Monday 20th October) is the first match of the season, and it's the first Derby - Hornets at home to Wasps at the Gosling, 7-9pm (i.e. during normal training times). Everbody is very welcome, and indeed encouraged to come along and support. Particularly for new members, it's a good way to see what league matches are like in a (hopefully :-) ) friendly environment. Also a great opportunity to begin to get involved in some officiating such as line judging and scoring. Best of luck to both teams!!
Game Tonight, Wed 15th October 8-10pm

Originally booked as a friendly, we have the court at the Gosling booked from 8-10pm tonight. No opposition is available, so we will be playing a match amongst ourselves. All are welcome and encouraged to come for extra gameplay and match practice.
Refereeing Course

This is to give you early warning of plans for Essex VA to host a level 4 referees course. This is the only tutored course that is available to referees as further development comes from experience, practical assessment and mentoring. It is suitable for anyone who wants the technical grounding to referee. The course lasts 16 hours and covers all of the rules and how to score. As all players are required to know the rules - yes that’s a rule - you do not have to go on and referee regularly although we will be looking to give preference, support and possibly subsidy to those willing to do this certainly in Essex. The course is mainly classroom based but will include practical sessions, so you will get to play. We are in the process of arranging details but current proposal is 7th/8th February 2009 at Havering Technical College, Upminster. Costs, timings and tutor are not yet known. If you are interested, it would be helpful to know as soon as possible, so please contact Ken Edwards (Secretary Essex VA) Tel 01245 474425 or ken.edwards@volleyball.co.uk
Refereeing duties for home games

All our home games require referees. Each game requires a minimum of two referees (1st and 2nd) and a scorer, but ideally a scorer's assistant and line judges too. To make this as fair as possible, and to enable as many people as possible to be available for the playing teams, referees have been assigned in rotation from the non-playing teams as listed on the fixtures page. Please make sure that everybody takes a turn officiating!
More changes to fixtures plus two friendlies

There have been a couple more changes to the fixtures, including the addition of two friendlies, one on Wednesday 15th October for a general mixed team against Vale, and one on Wednesday 19th November for Honeys versus Hornets. Both are home fixtures starting at 8pm at the Gosling.
Referee's course

There will be a (free) referee's refreshment course on Sunday 5th of October at Rudolf Steiner School from 2pm to 4pm. Glynn Archibald, who is probably the League's most experienced referee, will be leading the course which will be in the form of a Powerpoint presentation and a Q&A session in a classroom to be announced on the day. We strongly recommend this to all members of WHVC, particularly newcomers - you will have to referee at some point, and it's this or the deep end :-) !
First changes to fixtures

The Wasps matches on 8th & 15th October have been postponed. First match is now the Derby (Hornets home to Wasps) on 20th October!! I guess it's good practice and it's on a Monday training session so will be a great show match and introduction to matches for new members.
Fixture List

2008-09 Fixtures are out (in fact have been ready from the fixtures secretary for a couple of weeks, but I've been slow). First Wasps game in a couple of weeks!
Indoor training resumes next week, Monday 15th September

The summer is officially over - indoor training resumes next week, Monday 15th September, 7pm-9pm at the Gosling. Have a great new season everybody
EVF Tournament (Norwich) Dates

In past years we have entered a (mens) team into the EVF tournament in Norwich. This is a tournament spread over 4 legs, each being a full sunday once a month 9.30am-6pm at the UEA Sportspark in Norwich. It's a tough, but very enjoyable day with a high standard of Volleyball. This season's dates have been announced (see the tournaments page), and we need to enter a team soon if we want to take part again. Note: this competition is strictly mens and/or ladies, not mixed.
Bank Holiday Monday 25th August

Burnham Green Summer Fete is held on the Green on Bank Holiday Monday. However last year it finished at around 4pm, so we still hope to have play starting at the usual time of around 6.30pm. Everybody is also invited to the fete of course, which includes a Gig at the White Horse behind the Green featuring our own Guy and Nigel - come along for Summer fun! Please email Fiona if you think you will be coming for the outside play.
Indoor Training Resumes Monday 15th September

Training will resume Monday 15th September, 19:00-21:00 at Gosling. The initial few weeks of training will be used to decide upon the new team structures, so please make every effort to attend the sessions. Please try to be there for a 19:00 start as formal drill training will start at 19:15. Anyone who cannot be there at the start will be required to complete their warm up at the side of the hall whilst drills are being carried out. Please note that the warm up should include your own personal stretching and some ball work, ideally this will be in the form of a match warm up.
Team Captains
During the AGM it was agreed that the selection of captains should be left until we returned to training and agreed upon the team make up. However, if anyone of the club members would like the opportunity to captain one of the teams then please can you let the coach know so that he can work with you on putting the teams together.
Ladies wanted 2008!

For the first time this season, we will be entering a Womens team in the Womens Division of the HVA league. We would therefore particulalrly encourage new women members to come along and join us for this exciting new season!!.
Cambridge 2008

We entered two teams in Cambridge this year, and both played much better than we did last year! The weather wasn't kind, with quite a bit of rain (mind you, one of the teams in particular played better in the rain....), but there was some sun and a good time was had by all. Good mid-table results all round, and Fiona has kindly collated a collection of photos in a Word document from around the web (we must've had stalkers.....).

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