ESSEX BLAZE 3

WEYMOUTH BEACH 2

WEYMOUTH Beach Volleyball Club suffered their fourth straight defeat when they lost to Essex Blaze at St John Payne School, Chelmsford.

It follows a narrow 3-2 defeat by the Black Country last week, plus defeats up north to Stockport and Manchester.

The first set was a very unusual type of set. Weymouth started very slowly going 10-1 down but then they started to gain control of the attack and came storming back to win 25-23 with Stephen Williamson looking particularly impressive.

This comeback seemed to suggest that Weymouth should dominate the next set but this was not the case and it was Essex’s turn to fight back, led by their ex-Great Britain and Olympic player Nathan French, whose powerful hitting proved decisive as they won 25-18.

READ MORE: Weymouth 2-3 Black Country - match report

The third set for the first time was a tight affair with the teams playing point for point.

Seb Smith, competing in just his second match, was looking very impressive playing in the opposite position but even with his intelligent hitting Weymouth just lost out, losing the set 26-24.

The match turned again in the fourth set with Weymouth dominating throughout and in the end coming away with a 25-21 success to set up a dramatic final set.

Unfortunately for Weymouth, just like in the previous week against Black Country they got off to a very slow start in this final set and were unable to get back into the match as Essex ran out 15-9 winners to take the points.

The two teams meet again in a rearranged return fixture on Sunday at Redlands (4.30pm).

After Saturday’s match this should be another exciting encounter between two well balanced sides.

Weymouth are hoping to have outside hitter Liam Tewkesbury returning to the side after injury and will be looking for revenge.