Volleyball: Hornets take scalp of illustrious visitors in cup

Oct 15 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

LINLITHGOW Hornets Volleyball Club took a bold step into the unknown this week when they took part in the Scottish Cup.

The Hornets, who, due to their district league level were considered underdogs, hosted both Mens and women’s clashes at Linlithgow Leisure Centre.

First on to the court were the ladies who were up against a tough outfit in Grampian North.

The county club worked hard to contain their National League visitors but despite battling valiantly fell in straight sets, recording scores of 14-25, 16-25, 17-25.

Linlithgow Hornets Ladies team: Sandra Bain, Mel Dunsmore, Evelyn Halley, Shirley Miller, Susanne Mackay, Lynn Careswell. Coach: Rodger Baillie.

NEXT the spotlight shifted on to the Men’s team and they were up against a team at the very top of their form in Lenzie Volleyball Club.

Lenzie came into the match at the top of the National League Third Division but if they were expecting a West Lothian walkover they had another think coming.

In a thrilling match the Hornets matched them set for set and took their more experienced guests to a fifth set.

Lenzie were ahead at the half-way stage but a combination of sheer determination and great play gave the final set and the match to the Hornets.

This represents a huge scalp for Linlithgow who will be back in action against Bellshill Cardinals in November.

Linlithgow Hornets vs Lenzie: 25-16, 17-25, 25-17, 22-25, 12-15.

Hornets Mens Team: Rodger Baillie, Martin Beaton, Naseeb Singh, Gordon Archibald, Kenneth McKenzie, Richard Phelps, Mark O Hagan. Coach: Sandra Bain.