Freezone puts in a bronzed performance

A strong B Division team from the Freezone gay and lesbian volleyball club participated in Volleyball NSW’s State Cup at Homebush over the weekend of November 6 and 7, with strong focus and a vocal support crew eventually pushing them to third place.

Freezone’s Safe Sets Batches team drew a diverse mix of players from around the world — players from Malaysia, the Cook Islands, Brazil, Hong Kong and Samoa lined up alongside one boy from Fairfield and another from Dubbo.

Opposing team Baulkham Hills proved seven points too strong in the opening game, a defeat that was quickly forgotten by a strong victory over the Brumbies. The Freezoners soon found their momentum, defeating Albury 25-14 and 26–24.

Team cohesion and interaction improved with each point, resulting in a convincing thrashing of Roadtrip.

The conclusion of the first day’s play (one lost, three won) put Sunday’s outcome on a knife’s edge.

“We had to win both games, there was no room for error,” Freezoner Peter Furness said.

“I don’t play well first thing, especially without a coffee.”

Losing the second day’s play by a total of four points, with the second game fought to the very end, the talent within the club shone. The team from North Sydney were overpowered in a very precise first set, and though Freezone fought hard in the second, a two point margin win sealed the team’s 3rd place ranking.

Seven tired volleyballers then dragged themselves along to Freezone’s social training session at Sydney Boys High, very proud of their 3rd ranking in the B Division of the State Cup.

“I am often very, very proud of the achievements of club teams, but the commitment to assist new players after such a gruelling tournament highlights sportsmanship and the true greatness of this team,” club president Wally Salinger said.

info: Freezone Volleyball welcomes new members interested in joining regular training sessions or social competitions. Visit www.freezonevolleyball.org or email [email protected]