Gloucester Volleyball Tournament 2008
9/10 August 2008
Can that rain dampen the volleyballers spirits? No chance!! Riga members from far and wide travelled down to Gloucester for this year's Gloucester volleyball festival. The Club had a couple of teams in Mixed Division 1 (Riga Muppets and Riga Alternatives), Alex Smith and Jeanine Calder playing for Team Nadz in Womens' Div 1, Chris Anderson (UK) playing in the mens division 1 and Peter (Riga new recruit) also playing. The Riga Muppets contingent was Jayne Warman, Chris (Kiwi) Anderson, Clare Francis, Paul (Pingu) Day, Michele Peryer, Sarah Halling and Chris Jones. The Riga Alternatives constituted Emma Young, Tom Young (Jnr), Liz Young, Richie Meade (yes, still alive and kicking after Whitefield!), Penny Smith and A.Ringer.
The weather was errr....wet! Some of the Hardened Campers had even become Hotel Softies for the weekend (we won't name names!). Friday night the weather held out fine and muchos alcohol was consumed under the O2 arena (that would by Andy Collins' gazebo then!) as everyone erected their tents on the bank of the Thames. Several hours later (but probably not enough) it was up for the Saturday morning volleyball... and you've guessed it the rain had set in.
Much to Riga Muppets and Riga Alternatives disappointment the two teams had drawn different pools in Div 1 so they were not to meet until day 2 if at all. All teams went out in great spirits determined to enjoy the day despite the weather. By game one Emma had realised she didn't have her trainers with her and in the absence of sportset she had to play bare foot. A quick trip to a well known sports store in between games and she was soon set for the second game! By the end of day 1, Riga Muppets were unbeaten and progressed to the winners pool. Riga Alternatives narrowly missed out so the two teams were not to meet. Team Nadz (Alex and Jeanine) hadn't even finished all their day one games (!) probably due to vast amounts of alcohol and the continual swapping of the "props" - see photographic evidence below - on service errors.
While most settled into the bar to watch the Olympics for the afternoon (with many four pint pitchers) a contingent from Riga Muppets visited Gloucester cathedral to see where Harry Potter was filmed. After nearly been thrown out due to a senior member of the team having some language issues inappropriate for our venue those members returned to join the others in the bar or to get into a row with the hotel over the lack of rooms/beds! Peter stepped in ready and willing to lend his sleeping bag to those in need which resolved the problem but didn't leave Sarah feeling any better about the Wicked Witch of the West!
So it was on to the night out...I'll let the photos speak for themselves here!
Day 2 - more rain! Just about stopped by the time play began though. Team Nadz pushed on eager to finish off all their first day games! Riga Muppets were scolded for being late for their first game (chill out!) but continued on good form meaning they just had to beat Chester Romans to win the tournament. The Muppets had already beaten Chester Romans the day before...so it was all to play for. Riga Muppets took the first set, but there's a reason they are called Riga Muppets. It went to 3 and the Muppets lost the third set 17- 15! This meant that they were tied on the top spot with Chester Romans. Some complicated maths was undertaken and ties were decided on points, which meant that Chester Romans took the first place by just 3 points!!! Oh well, there's always next year!
In summary, great tournament - great time had by all!
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| err...Paul - that's not looking like it'll go over! | Get up quick Jayne! |
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| Team Muppet ready to pass | Paul goes round the tall block |
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| An all important time out | Spot the ball? |
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| Chris hitting through the block | Jayne takes advantage of the line at 4 |
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| Chris takes a winning shot | Jeanine jump passing |
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| What was in that coke bottle Alex? | Everyone looks right |
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| Jeanine enjoying her prop! | Jeanine preparing to serve in the net so she can have her prop back! |
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| Pingu, Jayne and Clare watch Jeanine's team | It's Clare's street! |
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| Cultural stuff | Jeanine with her napkin |
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| It was cold!! | On the phone to Ruthie - sorry Ruthie!! |
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| At the disco | errrr...boys?? |
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| Michele dancing | Richie does NOT look amused |
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| Richie still not looking that amused! | Clare, Pingu and Mummy Jayne |
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| A thoughtful Kiwi... | Paul as a pole for dancing... |
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| Jayne needs another drink | A big drink! |
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| And another | Go go Mummy Jayne they shout |
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| Team Muppet with Richie replacing Michele | The boys copying each other |
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| Chris wondering how he ended up a muppet | What has Paul said to Jeanine? |
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| Paul looks confused | Jayne and Richie |
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| It's time for bed (and it's raining again!!) |
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