Front-runners?Chargers, Sandy Crest Medical Centre Deacons and Cawmere predictably scored easy victories to close in on the Goddards Enterprises Limited Division One volleyball league crown as the action continued Wednesday night at the Wildey Gym.
Chargers, the defending champions, moved to within two wins from repeating as champions with a 25-21, 25-17, 25-17 triumph over the Juniors.
The remaining games will provide plenty of excitement as the top four teams – Chargers, Deacons, Cawmere and Progressive – will be battling, with only Progressive being out of the title contention.
Even so, Progressive, with outstanding games against Cawmere and Chargers, can influence the outcome of the race.
On Wednesday night, the traditionally bitter clash between Progressive and Deacons proved to be just sour for Progressive as they meekly folded, 21-25, 21-25, 20-25.
Inspite of welcoming back experienced national player Fabian Cox, Progressive could not repeat their first round upset of Deacons who were missing an injured Kyle Brown and Klode Thompson. Cox had “retired” and was missing when Progressive won in round one.
Deacons turned out in their new uniforms to dazzle and outplay their opponents with only Renier Grace bringing any fire to the match.
In round one, Akeem Payne almost got physical with one of the Deacons players. This time around, Payne was embarrassingly on the receiving end of several unheeded warning shots from Sheldon Roach before the national libero smashed a missile into Payne’s chest which stunned the defender and ricocheted into the pole holding the net.
The battle at monthend between Deacons and Chargers could be the cup decider, although Cawmere would say differently after trouncing Foundation United 25-16, 25-22, 25-18. Cawmere, Deacons and Chargers have two matches in hand.
Progressive with 24 points and two games in hand can only focus on tripping up one of the contenders.
Chargers are 7/1 with 36 points, Deacons are 6/2 with 34, and Cawmere are 6/2 with 32.
The team remaining unbeaten from here on will emerge champion, with Deacons holding the edge since their two losses were in five sets whereas Chargers’ one defeat was in four sets.