CHELMSFORD Volleyball Club moved into the semi-finals of the Essex Handicap Cup with a thrilling 3-2 win over Harlow at the Mildmay Hall at Anglia Ruskin University.
Pete Guernari picked an experienced side for the first set, with John Hill, Jonathan Richards, Ed Carter, Dariusz Zieba and Anash Vora joining him in the side.
Neither team were able to settle and there were several silly errors, making points hard to win – but in the end it was Harlow who prevailed, 30-28.
In the second game, Guernari called debutant Ves Ivanov into the fold instead of Carter, and Chelmsford had much more resolve and purpose, soon moving in to a 16-9 lead, which led the visitors to call a time-out.
But that made little difference as with Guernari, Vora and Zieba picking their shots well, Chelmsford ran out 30-18 victors.
The home side were unchanged in the third set and despite a few lapses in concentration, they were on top again with a 30-24 triumph.
The diminutive Rob Pallant-Bright came in for the fourth set and he impressed, but Harlow came out on top in a scrappy encounter, prevailing 30-28.
The fifth set was another close one in what proved to be an epic clash. As the match approached the two-hour mark, cracks were starting to appear in the Harlow side, and Chelmsford were able to take advantage.
With the score at 22-22, Guernari served three winning points to put his side in pole position and they secured a 30-26 win to book their spot in the semi-finals, which are to be played next month.
Vora was named MVP for all-round court coverage and attacking power, while coach Guernari praised Ivanov on his debut and added: "This is a super result that sees the team continuing to grow in confidence.
"The team battled hard and never gave up and can be very proud of their achievements this evening."
