The adventure of IBB Polonia London in the England Cup comes to an end

On Saturday, as part of the England Cup competition, the Londoners travelled to Essex, where they faced the local team, Essex Rebels. Unfortunately, after a five-set duel, IBB Polonia London bid farewell to the England Cup.

From the very beginning of the Saturday match, the atmosphere was electrifying. Last season, both teams faced each other at the semi-final stage, with Essex Rebels winning 3:1 and making it to the grand final.

Both teams entered the court highly motivated, and the fans gathered at the University of Essex Sport Center witnessed many spectacular saves, spectacular blocks, and numerous intense rallies. In the opening set, the team from London tipped the scales of victory in their favour, winning to 23.

The next two sets belonged to the Essex team, which performed very well at the net - both in blocking and in attack. Despite playing very well in reception and defence, the IBB Polonia London players had a significant problem finishing the attack. Opposing team members Thomas Shatimehin and Thomas Jefferson showcased their skills prominently. Coach Grzegorz Niski tried to change the course of the game for his team by bringing on players who did not start the Saturday match in the starting lineup, due to minor injuries. Even though the Londoners' play started to look somewhat better, the Essex players won the next two sets and took the lead in the match.

From the beginning of the fourth set, IBB Polonia London applied pressure with their serve and significantly improved their attack play. In defence, Filipi Rodrigues performed very well, and Ephraim Mills and Mihail Stoev scored points at the net. The spectators gathered in the hall watched many extended rallies, but the last point belonged to Grzegorz Niski's team, who took it to a tie-break.

The fifth and final set was the most evenly matched part of the entire game. Until the last ball, it was unclear who would win this match. Both teams had match points on their side. Unfortunately, the tie-break ended with a score of 19:17 against the London team, and the Essex Rebels volleyball players raised their hands in a gesture of victory, thereby securing their advancement to the next round of the competition.

Although IBB Polonia London has bid farewell to the England Cup, the fight for the English Championship continues. The chance for revenge against the Essex team is just a few days away - the first match in the Super League competition is on Sunday, 4th February. The match starts at 16:30. We invite you!