ON SUNDAY January 19, Inverloch once again became the home of beach volleyball, hosting the longest continually running beach volleyball competition in Victoria.
Organised by the South Gippsland Volleyball Club, this annual event brought together players and spectators for a day of intense competition and community spirit.
The day started early, with the committee and volunteers setting up six beach volleyball courts at the stunning Pensioners Point beach.
The idyllic location, with its pristine beach and breathtaking views, was the perfect setting for players from across the region to showcase their skills and passion for the sport.
The event began at 9am with sunscreen generously provided by TerryWhite Chemmart Leongatha, ensuring all players were protected against the Summer sun.
After the formalities, conducted by Nick Dunkling, teams launched into action.
Competition was spread over six divisions, with 25 teams and 108 players, 15 of the teams being from the local area and others from places such as Melbourne, the Latrobe Valley and Bairnsdale.
Spectators enjoyed a thrilling day of volleyball under sunny skies, with temperatures soaring into the low 30s.
The players gave it their all, battling on the sandy courts, with some opting for a refreshing dip in the Inverloch lagoon after their matches.
Division Results:
Blue Division: Net Ninjas defeated Monstars (21-16, 21-15).
Net Ninjas were represented by Jack McIntosh, Locky Morland, Seth Germaine, Jack Johnson.
Monstars’ team consisted of Jacob Careels, Alex Miller, Ben Careels, Andrew Provan.
Purple Division: Dig Dynasty edged out Rusty in a nail-biting 34-32 match.
Dig Dynasty was represented by James Ryan, Trent Westaway, Vinny Monaghan, Eldon Westaway.
Rusty players were Brock Churchill, Michael Axford, Duncan Macdonald, Andrew Burgess.
Green Division: Beach Please triumphed over Maz Fam (31-16).
Beach Please players were Erik Webster, Scolaighe Morison, Khalil Cheikh-Hussein, Zachary Grant.
Maz Fam was represented by Soraya Mazoori, Fardin Mazoori, Sohaila Mazoori, Zabi Mazoori.
Red Division: Diggers emerged victorious against Power (31-26).
Players for the Diggers were Mark de Guzman, Joemar Gloria, Charlotte Smith, Tamara Miller.
Power players were Sandi Kilpatrick, Ellie-Rose Rogers, Trent Simpson, Blake Hunt, Alex Vuillermin, Ashleigh Vuillermin.
Pink Division: A Crumb of Rettes overcame Sandy Balls (31-21).
A Crumb of Rettes was represented by Curtis McCann, Nathan East, Stacey Rogers, Natalie Gillard, Lucy Fletcher, John Plotena.
The Sandy Balls team consisted of Sharon Sabu, Antonella Paz Sepulveda, Sebastian Laughton, Darren Gardiner.
Yellow Division: Surfs Up secured a win against Dolphins (25-21).
Surfs Up players were Shelley Churchill, Jessica Churchill, Matthew Churchill, Noah Rodriguez.
Dolphins consisted of Lorraine Tangpos, Yasmin Gloria, Jye Wiedemann, Ysabella Gloria.
The South Gippsland Volleyball Club extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the players and spectators for their energy and enthusiasm, TerryWhite Chemmart Leongatha for sponsoring sunscreen and donating a fantastic player door prize, won by Eeve Dennehy, and the organising committee, including Liselott Webster and Poppy Noble, for their exceptional efforts.
The strong performances by local teams have set an exciting tone for the upcoming Summer/Autumn club season held at Splash in Leongatha.
The club warmly welcomes new and returning players of all skill levels.
Key Dates:
• First Training Session: Wednesday, January 29, 7 pm – 9 pm (weekly thereafter).
• Annual Fun Night: Thursday, January 30, 7:15 pm.
• Season Start: Thursday, February 6.
• Juniors Program: 5.45 pm – 7.15 pm.
• A and B-grade matches: 7.30 pm onwards.
For more information, contact Club Secretary; Jessica Sanders at southgippslandvolleyball@outlook.com or visit the club at Splash, 52A Roughead Street, Leongatha.
Follow South Gippsland Volleyball Club on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
