With national representative student sides travelling from Scotland and flying in from both Republic of Ireland and N.Ireland the Welsh side looked forward to a strong tournament which also included local interest with Bath Uni representing the South West, Oxford and Cambridge universities plus last years student cup winners – Brunel Uni.
Competition throughout was intense, powerful serving, even stronger attacks, impenetrable two and three person blocks and miraculous diving defensive cover saw several games that would have graced the top NVL leagues – all can be watched on the Cardiff Beach Volleyball YouTube site.
The tournament opener was possibly the most colourful seen at any tournament with Wales in their striking red and green dragon kit narrowly beating Bath in their traditional bright blue and yellow (photos attached), the 2-0 the final set 29-27 final scoreline setting the tone for the tournament.
Meanwhile Republic of Ireland proved too strong for the Welsh women (3-0) and in the final game of day 1 Oxford men ran out winners over Republic of Ireland (2-0).
Day two saw Team South Wales loose 3-1 to Republic of Ireland to set up a shoot out with the Welsh Unis women for a semifinal place while in pool B Scotland progressed without loosing a set against last years winners Cambridge, Brunel and Queens Uni, N.Ireland.
Cambridge women also progressed to the semis with 2-0 wins over both Brunel and Queens Uni, N.Ireland, with Brunel claiming third spot with a close 2-0 victory over the N.Irish ladies.
TSW eventually claimed their semifinal spot with a 3-0 win over the Welsh students.
Meanwhile on the men’s court the competition hotted up as did the numbers watching the livestream, not just from the UK but countries from Germany to Malaysia and many in between.
Thanks to Carl Harwood who provided the livestream with top viewing figures for the men, other than the final, being Brunel defeating Scotland 15-14 in the 5th set of a 3-2 thriller closely followed by Wales being edged out 15-13 in the final set by the eventual finalists Republic of Ireland.
Brunel claimed their semifinal place with 3-0 win over the Queens Uni team, N.Ireland who were also beaten into third place (3-0) in their group by Scotland who claimed the second semi spot from their group.
With Bath loosing another tight three setter 15-13 to Oxford before going down 2-0 to Republic of Ireland but showing the Bath side were able to compete with national student teams.
It was Oxford who claimed top spot and semi finalists from their group overcoming Wales in another nail biter 15-14 in the final set meaning that the semi final line up was completed by Republic of Ireland men.
Having been pushed hard by Oxford, Scotland men progressed from their semi to set up a mouthwatering final against Republic of Ireland who saw off student cup winners Brunel
Team South Wales women’s team, who had edged a spirited Wales for a semi-final spot fought hard but Scotland proved too strong and progressed to the final.
In the other semi-final defending champions Cambridge ran a strong Republic of Ireland close but the Irish had too much strength in depth and won through to set up an all Celtic final while Cambridge Uni women went on to claim the third place medals in their 3/4 play off game v TSW.
For the men Oxford overcame Brunel to claim the bronze medals while in the finals Scotland claimed a double with both men’s and women’s teams taking the gold (and the champagne) from their Celtic cousins Republic of Ireland who took home silver in their first appearance.
Despite several pre-tournament hiccups – sponsors going into receivership and late withdrawals (less than 48hrs before their 1st game) all was taken in their stride and it was a tribute to a small group of volunteers that, not only the tournament, but also the evenings social ran smoothly throughout.
As tournament organisers we can only express our gratitude to all competitors and team personnel who ensured not only top quality games but also a fantastic atmosphere any player would want to play in.
Thanks go to James, owner of The Foundry bar and Misfits nightclub on Miskin Street for stepping in at short notice and sponsoring the players morning after headaches by providing both venues for Saturday nights social evening along with the bottles of Moët for the winners and tournament MVP’s.
Thanks must also go to the support of referees – Jayne Jones, Giulia Bellan and Conor Robbins who added to the professionalism and quality of the tournament.
Final Carl Harwood, co-owner of Cardiff Beach Volleyball and Chair of Volleyball Wales who provided the livestream and YouTube for the competition which has lifted the tournament profile and undoubtedly been influential in the decision of the England Juniors decision to join next years tournament scheduled for 19-21 March 2027.
Final placings :
Men Women
- Scotland Scotland
- Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland
- Oxford Cambridge
- Brunel Team South Wales
- Bath Wales
- Queens/N.Ire Queens/N.Ire
- Wales Brunel
Bernie Bond andyw07@msn.com
