Volleyball: Men’s Division One National League-Racing Club claim third position |29 August 2008

In their 10th and final match on Sunday, Racing Club dropped a set against winless Outsiders on the way to a 3-1 (25-16, 24-26, 25-18, 25-22) win in 85 minutes.

Boasting a crop of skilful players, coach François Magloire has the task of getting his players to get their act together if they want to challenge for the next competition – the Seychelles Volleyball Federation (SVF) Cup.

Like runners-up Beau Vallon, third-placed Racing Club, captained by hardhitter Tony Songor, finished the season with 24 points after seven wins and three defeats – but trail the former champions on set difference of +15 to +8.

Made up mostly of former Seychelles internationals and players who are past their prime, Outsiders will leave the top flight after just one season. They lost all their 10 matches, won five sets and conceded 30.

In Sunday’s other match, Roots got the better of St Louis, who are on the verge of losing setter Jean-Paul Agathe to Beau Vallon.

Port Glaud-based Roots needed 100 minutes to edge St Louis 3-2 (25-12, 22-25, 21-25, 25-18, 15-7).

Both Roots and St Louis finished equal on points – 16 – after three wins and seven defeats apiece. St Louis finished fourth while Roots occupied fifth position.

Champions Premium Spikers stayed unbeaten in 10 matches for their fourth championship title after past success in 1998, 2002 and 2005.

Meanwhile, the Women’s Division One will come to a close on Saturday September 6 when 14-time champions Arsu meet St Louis Bombers, who are yet to get a win this season and will play in the bottom division next year.

In the Women’s Division Two, Cadettes registered a thumping 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-17) victory against title chasers Roots Sisters, who are looking to win promotion to the top flight.

Santa West were also victorious in a 3-2 (29-27, 19-25, 25-12, 21-25, 15-13) defeat of RC United.

G. G.

The final Men’s Division One league table