Essex Rebels toast volleyball play-off success

The Essex Rebels are celebrating record-breaking seasons after hotly contested play-offs held in the home of British Volleyball.

The brave Rebels fought valiantly in the two-leg games, split across two days - with the men's side bringing home the bronze medal in The Super League.

Sadly, the women's side fell at the final hurdle after a storming season, but the weekend's drama cannot blemish an outstanding season.

Reflecting on the season Volleyball Performance Coach Alex Porter praised his teams - singling out the men for bringing bronze to Essex for the first time.

Their win comes just days after clinching success against rivals The University of East Anglia in Derby Day and winning the student BUCS league.

The teams celebrate the win

After the game Coach Porter said: "I'm so happy for the team, they've worked incredibly hard for the last 226 days, to see their faces after the win will stay with me forever.

"They set out to win three medals this year and after winning BUCS Premier South, Derby Day and with today's bronze, they achieved that.

"This was a special group to work with, they had each other's backs through the highs and lows. People outside the group always comment on how the team and bench support each other, they put the team above their own needs.

"I will miss these guys."

The men faced off against the Malory Eagles in the third place play off in a thrilling come back and they completed a remarkable turnaround by winning 15-10.

Brink of defeat

Thomas Jefferson, team captain, said: "It has been an honour to captain the Rebels this season and this weekend acted as another reminder as to why we all play volleyball.

"Our team this season has been through various ups and downs, so it only seemed fitting that in this last dance we battle back from the brink of defeat.

"Even though we didn't return to Colchester with the gold medal each member can hold their head up high knowing that we performed very well and are hungry for more next season.

"I wish all the best to my teammates who will be leaving the programme this year."

The women's hopes were sunk by Team SideOut Volleyball, who repeated the score line of the National Cup Final with a commanding 3-0 victory.

They then lost out to Malory Eagles.