Academy topple giants to take South West title

By arjones

ACADEMY of Beach Sports' under-15 boys knocked down the giants of South West junior volleyball, Wessex, to become the region's champions.

They won 25-22, 25-16 and have earned a place at the national finals in Birmingham on March 20.

The same team finished third in the national under-14s finals last year and are excited by the prospect of their first six-v-six national event.

Denise Austin, head coach of the Academy, said: "Four years ago we took teams to the South West junior finals and finished last in every age group.

"It has been a really big learning curve this past four years.

"To take a set off Wessex would have been a result, to win was a landmark day for us as a club."

Sam Roach skippered the team and was joined by vice-captain Billy Hinson, Haydn Lawson, Sam Dunbavin, Will Hartnoll and Mike Gaunt.

Nine Academy teams took part in the third round of the South West Junior Grand Prix, with Unbeatables, Quashers and Xtras winning their divisions.

Academy teams at South West Junior Grand Prix — Idols (U11 girls): Nicole Short (capt), Lauren Short, Charlie Edge. Unbeatables (U11 girls): Sophie Watts (capt), Rebecca Fallow, Helen Farr. Leapers (U12 boys): Dylan Hall (capt), Ellie Austin, Alphie Constable. Quashers (U12 boys): Jordan Evans (capt), Alex Cammack, Morgan Fouracre. Prodigies (U13 boys): Nick Bull (capt), Torin Lawson, Charlie Greenway. 3Ds (U14 boys): Joe Wright (capt), Will Lomas. Originals (U14 boys): Will Hartnoll (capt) Millie Constable. Xtras (U14 boys): Sam Dunbavin (capt), Haydn Lawson. Bashers Part 2 (U14 girls): Amelia Richards (capt), Scarlett Butters, Rachel Fallow.

● Great Torrington Community School won the North Devon four-v-four under-16 competition.

They avenged an earlier defeat to the Park Community School by beating the Barnstaple school in the final at Pilton Community College.

Three family members — Jack, Millie and Harry Constable — were joined by Fergus O'Donnell in the winning team.

● Denise Austin, community development coach for volleyball in North Devon, has been busy recruiting young leaders.

They have taken part in Volleyball England Junior Leaders Award courses are now ready to work with primary school children.

Twenty from Chulmleigh are working in feeder schools for Chulmleigh Community College and will also coach teams in a Volleysport competition.

Braunton leaders are volunteering at Kingsacre, Georgeham and Caen Street before-school clubs and will help run the Braunton Feeder Primary Schools Beach Volleysport Competition in June.

Thirteen young leaders from Ilfracombe will be coaching volleysport and running a competition.