North Devon volleyball stars out in force at Croyde

YOUNG volleyball players from North Devon were out in force at Croyde last weekend.

The second round of the South West Junior Beach Tour was taking place, and the local academy sides made their presence felt.

In the under-12 final, the Academy Rebels beat the Academy Quashers, while in the under-14 competition the Academy A side saw off Kings School, Ottery St Mary.

The only division not to be won by an academy side was the under-18s, where South West Regional under-17 Squad members Ryan Dunne and Adam Bewes triumphed over rivals Tom Shacklock and Sam Ashcroft.

North Devon Academy coach Denise Austin praised the young players who had made the step of from development game, volleysport, to full competition.

"Seeing some great ball control in a game which can be very difficult for adults never mind Year 7 and below, amazes me, I am in awe of all them," she said.

Ellie Austin, the youngest competitor, was voted 'spirit of the tournament'.

The next round of the tour is at Weston-super-Mare on Saturday. Details, full results and pictures can be found at www.swva.org.uk