AVL 2006 - In retrospect
Dec 7, 2006 Although gold was the goal, everyone will be able to reflect with a great deal of satisfaction at coming third in the Australian Volleyball League - behind the Australian Institute of Sport and a Melbourne side made up from a combination of players from their 2 top club sides.
After only losing 2 matches throughout the entire year, and winning the SVL with an undefeated record, the Cedars were forced to search deep within themselves for the first time after getting off to a horror start to the AVL season with a 1-3 win/loss record.
After being in exile for the past few years, the transition from SVL to AVL level proved to be quite a leap and it took some time for the team to adjust.
After another loss to Melbourne, the equation became simple. We had to win all of our 5 remaining matches to qualifty for the finals. The fact that the Cedars found themselves in Melbourne for the finals says something about this team's character.
The bronze medal is great, but deep down, all the players should be most proud of the way in which we got there. The team stuck together and performed in crunch situations, none more so than against the Sydney Lions. This match really turned our season around and provided the spark for the remainder of the season.
Our first season back in the AVL has really opened our eyes and taught us a lot. It has certainly raised our bar of expectations, not only in terms of results, but what it will take to make us an even better team. That is what makes the Cedars such a great club, our ongoing quest in becoming better players and a better team.
The off-season will be an opportunity to reassess our goals and the path we choose in reaching them.
AVL Bronze - Cedars bounce back to win in 4 sets
Dec 7, 2006 It seemed like deja vu, with the Cedars reuniting with their first round opponents, Mt Lofty Rangers (SA) in the bronze medal playoff. Only this time, the Cedars were battle-hardened with 10 AVL games under their belt.
This proved to be the difference, after the Cedars got off to a slow and shaky start, losing the first set.
Some lineup changes were made by coaches Haddad and Vukosa in the second set. And along with a vast improvement in the passing, the Cedars managed to claw their way back to draw level in the second set.
Blocking was the key to sealing the match - and the bronze medal. Block touches by Nathan Lovett proved invaluable in allowing the side to transition into offence. Lovett’s blocking was sorely missed at the end of the SVL season and the start of the AVL due to injury. He definitely showed his worth to the team in this game.
Lovett’s partner in crime, fellow middle blocker, Michael Perry was like a bulldog at the net as usual. His tenacious running of the quick attack never seems to die off at any point of a game. His athleticism and fitness makes him a setter’s dream in offence.
In an MVP performance, Francis Uso was on fire. Steady passing and irresistible spiking belittled any resemblance of a Mt Lofty block. Sharp cross-court hits and deft cut shots down the line, all with effortless power, sent the Cedars cheer squad into a frenzy.
Lefu Leaupepe made a big impact since his injection into the game, with consistent hitting from the front and back row, and some demoralizing blocks. When in good form, Leaupepe is always a joy to watch.
A relatively lacklustre back-row sparked up with the introduction of George Atrache. His eagerness to chase every loose ball and his ability to be in the right spot when covering was priceless. He provided his hitters the confidence to swing freely and gave them the opportunity for second and third chances at breaking through the Mt Lofty block.
Atrache’s enthusiasm seemed to have a positive effect on fellow backcourter, Andrew Simos who also lifted his game after a slow start.
Outside hitters Marcelo Grego and Aleksandar Jelicic showed great fight, as they have all year. When the passing struggled, it proved difficult for them to break through the well-formed blocks but they persisted gallantly. In any case, they always provide something special to the team.
After seeing limited court time in the AVL, second setter Sebastian Bibring showed up when it counted. The crafty South American veteran did a great job in distributing the ball to his gun hitters and gave them every opportunity to fire. It’s a tough gig being the second setter, and he has handled the role superbly all year.
Unfortunately Shannon Flexman and Michael Klish didn’t see too much court time in the bronze medal match, but their contribution on and off the bench during the AVL season has not gone unnoticed. They have come on and made a positive difference when called upon and given the team their full support at all times.
After showing their obvious disappointment in the team's semi-final performance, credit must go to coaches Haddad and Vukosa who had the ability to move on and look forward to getting a positive out of the Finals weeekend in Melbourne.
AVL Semi Finals - Melbourne Falcons defeat Bankstown Sports Cedars
Dec 7, 2006 Final Score: 3:0 (25:14, 25:21, 25:16), Played: 2/12/06
The first set of the first AVL final got off to a blazing start today with the Bankstown Sports Cedars and the Melbourne Falcons trading point for point as they each looked for a way to score points. Some big blocking by Ben Loft and Mathew Desalvo gave a valuable three point lead to the Falcons as they came into the first technical time out, with an 8-5 lead. After the time out despite some great defence from the Bankstown Sports Cedars the big blocking Falcons continued to apply pressure at the net. some hitting errors from Cedars saw the points difference go out to a 24-14 difference until a wayward serve saw the Cedars concede the first set 14-25 to the Falcons.
The second set saw the Bankstown Sports Cedars display a more effective game play. Despite an early lead to the Falcons, 8-4, the Bankstown Sports Cedars rallied which saw Iefu Leaupepe and Marcelo Grego swinging against big blocks and gaining some valuable points to close the points difference to 19- 22. The Cedars momentum however ground to a halt as the Falcons closed out the set 25- 21.
The third set started out promising for the Bankstown Sports Cedars and despite an 5-8 deficit they looked ready to give the Falcons a tough time. However some unstable passing put pressure on setter Gavin Leung who was setting to save a pass more often than not. Strong attacking pressure through the middle for the Falcons kept a scrambling Cedars on their back foot through out the set and a huge block from #13 Ben Loft saw the third set and match go the Falcons at 25-16.
Source: avf.org.au
AVL Finals - Cedars to face home team in Melbourne for finals berth
Nov 30, 2006 The Cedars will fly to Melbourne tomorrow to face the home team in the first Semi Final on Saturday.
The Melbourne Falcons have been touted as the favourites to take their fourth AVL title this year, but not if the Cedars can put their best foot forward. Since their match against the Sydney Lions, the Cedars have hit their straps at the business end of the season. Hopefully they can ride this wave of momentum all the way to the championship game.
You can keep track of the Cedars progress with live updates during their Semi-Final. The match starts at 12.00pm, Saturday.
Just log onto www.avf.org.au/avl for live updates.
AVL Finals - Cedars to make TV appearance for Finals
Nov 20, 2006 Congratulations to the Bankstown Sports Cedars on qualifying for the 2006 AVL Semi-Finals to be held on Saturday 2 December against Melbourne Falcons in Melbourne.
The other semi-final will be between second-placed AIS and 3rd-placed Mt Lofty (SA).
The Gold Medal match, and Bronze Medal playoff will be played on Sunday 3 December - both to be shown on SBS and Fox Sports.
See avf.org.au for TV times.
AVL Finals - Cedars show they are a 12-man team
Nov 20, 2006 Heading into the semi-final against Melbourne in two weeks, the Cedars can take a lot of confidence in knowing they can show enough poise to re-group from a 2-0 deficitto prevail in their tough 5-set battle against University of Queensland. This could not have happened without the extrordinary effort by the second six.
The match was a struggle for the Cedars early on, dropping the first set in a blink of an eye. With the second set heading down the same path, Coach Haddad was forced to use his entire roster in an attempt to break the rhythym of this determined Queensland outfit who was high on confidence after 2 wins the previous day.
In times of need, the bench players stood up and made a positive impact on the game - none more so than outside hitter, Michael Klish with a powerful display of hitting and inspirational blocking.
George Atrache also made solid contributions in the back row at crucial stages of the match. Sebastian Bibring and Lefu Leapepe were as reliable as ever, while Shannon Flexman was creating space for our outside hitters.
If the Cedars are to go all the way, the bench will be a key to their success.
AVL Finals - Cedars finish the season with victory over UQ
Nov 20, 2006 BANKSTOWN SPORTS CEDARS def UQ
FINAL SCORE: 3-2 (17:25, 26:28, 25:17, 25:13, 15:7)
Sunday, 19th November
The Bankstown Sports Cedars had already confirmed their Top 4 spot, with victory last night over Canberra Heat, but could have secured 3rd spot with a more comprehensive victory. It was not to be but the match was good preparation for their semi-final against the undefeated Melbourne Falcons on December 2.
All eyes are now on Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre with the Semi-Finals on December 2 and the Medal matches on December 3.
The Medal matches will be televised on SBS. See avf.org.au for TV Schedule times.
AVL Finals - Cedars take the last Men's Finals spot
Nov 20, 2006 BANKSTOWN SPORTS CEDARS def CANBERRA HEAT
FINAL SCORE: 3-0 (25:19, 25:17, 25:17)
Saturday, 18th November
Canberra Heat kept with the Bankstown Sports Cedars early but Cedars skipped away in the middle of the set and kept a comfortable lead over the Heat. A small Heat revival late in the set was snuffed out by Cedars captain, Alex Jelicic, with some decisive front-court attack.
Cedars victory has sealed 4th spot and return tomorrow for their final home and away at 1pm against UQ as the perfect oportunity to prepare for their 1st Semi Final against the undefeated Melbourne Falcons on December 2nd.
AVL - Bankstown Sports Cedars take their finals chances by the horns
Nov 13, 2006 BANKSTOWN SPORTS CEDARS def KUMHO SYDNEY LIONS
FINAL SCORE: 3-0: 25-19, 25-19, 25-21
The audience at Saturday night’s matchup at Sydney University Sports & Aquatic Centre got value for money with big hitting and big blocks by the leading men’s volleyball teams in Sydney.
The teams traded blows in the first set in which a consistent Cedars outfit rallied their way to victory. Gavin Leung twisted and turned himself marvelously giving Michael Perry and Captain, Aleks Jelicic, scoring shots. Kiu Nam Cho showed promise in the first set threading the Cedars’ tower of blocks.
The much-hyped inclusion of Ho Nam Lee in the Lions’ back line created few opportunities for their setter/captain Chan Wook Jin. Ghamdan El-Miski put away his shots with fury in an effort to revive his teammates’ enthusiasm.
Leading 18-14 in the second set, Cedars’ Leung brushed an overpass off the hands of Lions’ Jin for a point which set them on a course for victory in the second set also. Unforced errors with serving and net touches cost the Lions dearly in this set and their frustration was palpable, but fuel for the Cedars to finish off the set with another lightning attack through the middle by Nathan Lovett.
As Cedars burst ahead 9-1 in the third set, tempers rose as the ball hit the Lion’s side of the court time and again. The Master and Apprentice Jelicic and Lovett teamed up in attack and formed solid defence frustrating the Lions. Sam Tuivia experienced mixed fortunes at the net but hit with good intent and accuracy when possible. A player’s worst nightmare came true for Ibal El-Miski with a short float serve on match point that went into the net and handed the 3-0 victory to the Cedars who creep ever closer to another finals appearance.
Bankstown Sports Cedars play UQ and Canberra Heat next weekend with 2 victories possibly lifting them to 3rd spot on the table and a semi-final against the AIS.
Source: avf.org.au
AVL - Bankstown Sports Cedars still alive in 2006
Nov 6, 2006 BANKSTOWN SPORTS CEDARS def WA
FINAL SCORE: 3-1 (25:17, 20:25, 27:25, 25:20)
The Cedars made the trip out west for their clash against Western Australia over the weekend.
After getting off to a flying start credited to some tough serving from Marcelo Grego, the Cedars looked in control taking the first set.
In the second set, the Cedars were again riddled with unforced errors allowing their opposition back into the match, trailing by 10 points at one stage. Coach Haddad made a few changes to the lineup and the team managed to regain some respectability in the scoreline, but the lead was too big to recover.
The Cedars finally started to show their fighting sprit in the third set, on the back of some solid hitting by Marcelo Grego and Frank Uso, narrowly edging out WA to take a 2-1 lead.
Some valuable blocking plays by Shannon Flexman, including the biggest roof block of the game, helped seal the Cedars victory. A vast improvement in serve reception also allowed Flexman and Michael Perry to do the damage through the middle in attack.
Bankstown Sports Cedars have their destiny in their own hands as victory in the reamining three matches will get them into the Top 4.
That program continues next Saturday against Kumho Sydney Lions, with the winner still in the race for a Finals berth. The match will be played at Sydney University at 7.00pm.
Their home and away season finishes with home games against Canberra Heat and UQ on Nov 18/19.
AVL - Cedars wrap up the Round with a bang
Oct 23, 2006 Trailing 2-0, Uni Blues pulled out everything to claw their way back into the third set and took it back 25-20, keeping them in the game. Blues' hitter Adam Williams repeatedly answered the call and sent ball after ball into the Cedars court and kept the Cedars defense on their toes.
Gavin Leung guided the Cedars's attack with dynamic setting and along with some great hitting by Michael Perry, the Cedars regained control after losing the 3rd and 4th sets. Blocking by Griggs (Uni Blues) motivated the team to continue the fight into the fifth.
In the fifth set decider, the atmosphere was electric and both teams new the importance of this win. The Blues defence was stellar but penetrable and the hosts rounded off a busy weekend with a win 3-2.
Final Score Bankstown Sports Cedars def University Blues 3-2: 25-19, 25-16, 20-25, 14-25, 15-13.
News extract from avf.org.au
The Final – Cedars 2006 SVL Champions!!
Sep 19, 2006 The Cedars defeated Westside 3-2 in the SVL Grand Final on Sunday, with a nail-biting fifth set finish with a set score of 21-19. In doing so, the Cedars have now won an unprecedented 10 straight SVL titles, eclipsing any other club records.
After a stellar, undefeated season of 15 straight wins, the Cedars had the weight of expectation firmly set on their shoulders leading into the grand final. On the other side of the ledger was a young Westside team, who only entered the SVL competition this year with plenty of talent and nothing to lose.
In one of the closest and most entertaining grand finals in recent memory, the momentum of the match swung back and forth numerous times, with Westside taking the first set and the Cedars taking the next two. Westside then fought back to take the fourth to force the match into a fifth set thriller.
The deciding set was indicative of just how close the match was, with Westside just 2 points away from the title, leading 13-11. Somehow the Cedars found something deep down to claw their way back and reach championship point at 14-13. From then on it was a duel, with each side going point for point until the Cedars finally sealed the match on their 7th match point.
The Final – Cedars prevail through team effort
Sep 19, 2006 With the noticeable injury toll leading into the Final, Coach Haddad had many decisions to make to cover all the holes left in the starting line-up. Evidently Haddad managed to minimise the impact quite well, securing the Club’s 10th straight SVL title.
With Nathan Lovett missing for the final, the middle blockers had to step up to fill the big void he left. Michael Perry and in particular Luke Carroll stood up and gave outstanding performances in attack and blocking. Enough can’t be said of the two newcomers to the team who have worked tirelessly throughout the season to gel with their new teammates. It has definitely paid off at the right time of the season.
Another big role to fill in the final was that of the libero. With usual starter Andrew Simos out with injury, it was left to George Atrache to lay the platform in the backcourt, and he didn't let the team down. With solid serve reception and inspirational defence, he also gave his best performance of the year when it mattered.
A key to our success this year was the consistent performances of our outside hitters, Aleks Jelicic and Marcelo Grego. Although they had relatively quiet games in attack by their standards, they still provided their usual good service in passing and defence.
Lefu Leaupepe has been dynamic all year and showed this form in patches throughout the game. This was vital with Tom Giese out of action. Setter, Gavin Leung took some time to settle into the flow of the game, but soon found rhythm with his middle attack in particular, which was a key to the game plan.
With the number of injuries, the bench was somewhat depleted but just as important. Sebastian Bibring, James Meredith, and Daniel Gauci did their job when used sparingly but effectively by Coach Haddad.
Round 12 - UTS lose rival tag
Aug 24, 2006 There has been an intense rivalry between UTS and the Cedars in recent years, with both teams consistently occupying the top spots on the SVL ladder.
This year however, UTS have been no match for the Cedars, as shown in last weekend's 3-0 victory.
A vast improvement in the Cedars backcourt, led by veteran libero Andrew Simos was the catalyst for this impressive performance.
Outside hitters, Marcelo Grego and Aleks Jelicic showed good form at the right end of the season.
AVL - Cedars hit back to score first win
Oct 16, 2006 After a shakey start to the AVL season, the Cedars came away with an encouraging 3-0 win against UTS yesterday to notch up their first AVL victory for 2006.
Outstanding performances by Marcelo Grego and Aleks Jelicic provided most of the highlights from yesterday's match with some big hitting. The two outside hitters look like they have found the type of form they have been searching for of late which is a good sign for the team.
The team will value the momentum going into this weekend's blockbuster game against the undefeated Melbourne Falcons, who boast a number of ex-national players of their own.
The Cedars will be playing their first home games of the season this weekend. First up will be against the Melbourne Falcons on Saturday, 21 Octber at 3.00pm, then against University Blues (Melbourne) at 1.00pm on Sunday.
Entry is free, with other men's and women's games on during the day. For full match schedule, see www.avf.org.au/index.php?id=106
Round 11 - Manly no walk on the beach
Aug 15, 2006 With the absence of captain, Aleks Jelicic and the thought of playing in the cold at 9.00am, the Cedars knew they had to be on their game against an enthusiastic Manly side, who were the last team to beat the Cedars - five months ago, in the first pre-season tournament of the year.
Although Manly sit near the bottom of the SVL table, they have had a couple of big wins and some hard fought losses of late which made this a danger game.
A 3-0 victory is what the Cedars were looking for, and that's exactly what they did - but not before an epic first set that went to 34-32.
The second set was almost identical - not so much in the scoreline, but in the flow of the game. The Cedars would create a sizeable lead in each set, before having a momentary lapse and allowing Manly back into the set. The Cedars managed to whether the storm a bit better in the second set to still win comfortably.
Blocking was a real pleasing aspect of the game with the tall timber in the middle leading the way. They also dominated in attack, facing little resistance from the opposition block.
The Cedars face a tough run home in the SVL regular season, with remaining games against UTS, Sydney North, and Baulkham Hills. All teams have notched up a win against the Cedars within the last year. With the semi finals looming, there is no question that the Cedars will be following the old cliche of 'taking it one game at a time'.
Round 10 - Cedars overcome Westside contenders
Aug 10, 2006 Westside have proved to be a legitimate title contender this year, after yet another epic battle with the Sydney Cedars. In the end, the Cedars prevailed with a 3-2 victory in what would have to be one of their toughest matches to date.
The first set was an arm wrestle, with the two teams going point for point with some long rallies. Westside managed to draw first blood, taking out the first set.
The second and third sets were a complete turnaround with the Cedars winning both convincingly due to Coach Haddad making some personnel changes.
The Cedars seemed to get their act together with better blocking and transition play, but were riddled with errors in the fourth set, allowing Westside to get back in the match.
It was really flip of the coin to see how the teams would perform in the fifth and deciding set, with the match seeing so many ebbs and flows from both teams. The Cedars showed more urgency, jumping out to a 4-0 lead that was never conceded. Westside fell by the wayside on this occasion, but will definitely feature in the semi's as true title contenders.
This season has definitely been a journey of self-discovery - from a team and individual perspective. It's never good to see anyone struggle with form, but it is only then do you see the character they possess.
The players on this team have shown their comraderie when times get tough by relying on each other when one or a few are struggling, and those that are struggling have shown their ability to bounce back. Mental toughness is also something this team possesses, after the numerous times they have fought back from the brink of defeat to continue their amazing winning streak of 23 matches.
Cedars still Number 1 in Australia
Aug 10, 2006 After ten rounds of SVL, the Sydney Cedars still sit on top of the Spike Magazine National Club Rankings for men's volleyall, followed closely by AIS who play in the Canberra League.
See Spike Magazine for a complete listing at www.spikemag.com.au
Round 9 - Promising signs for the future against UNSW
Aug 10, 2006 Coach Haddad presented the junior Cedars with a great opportunity to play starring roles in this match, and they did not disappoint.
Daniel Gauci played a big part in the 3-0 victory as an outside hitter , with regular starter, Marcelo Grego being rested. Daniel shared court time with fellow junior, James Meredith.
Both players gave a solid performance in their hitting and passing, showing that they can be an integral part of the Cedars in the future.
With starting setter, Gavin Leung being rested, another positive was having Sebastian Bibring showing some good form after a lengthy break from volleyball.
Player depth will certainly be a contributing factor to a team's success in AVL, which is why this game proved to be vital in more ways than just a win.
Round 8 - Clean sweep of Hills
Aug 10, 2006 The Cedars made it a clean sweep against Hills, after defeating them for the second time this season.
Although it was a 3-0 victory, Hills are a dangerous team that cannot be given too many opportunities, otherwise they can make you pay. It was a mental test for the team to stay focused for the whole match and the players passed with flying colours.
AVL - Cedars head to the Nation's Capital
Sep 28, 2006 The Cedars will be travelling to the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, to kick off their AVL campaign on Saturday 7th October, where they will face last year's semi-finalists Mt Lofty (SA).
The following day, the Cedars will face the AIS.
For the full AVL schedule and results, see: www.avf.org.au
AVL - Melbourne Falcons spoil Cedars celebration
Oct 23, 2006 The combination of Leung and Leaupepe (Cedars) was dynamic throughout the match and earned the team numerous points in front of their fans and sponsors. The match see-sawed with the Falcons intent on protecting their current top 4 position and dominating the hosts. York (Falcons) proved handy hitting winner after winner for the visitors on their way to a comfortable victory.
FINAL SCORE:
MELBOURNE FALCONS def BANKSTOWN SPORTS CEDARS
3:1 (23:25, 25:21, 25:18, 25:11)
News extract from avf.org.au
Bankstown Sports show their support for Cedars
Aug 24, 2006 In the lead up to the AVL competition, the Cedars are proud to announce that Bankstown Sports have extended their long-standing relationhip with the club by becoming the naming right sponsor of the Cedars.
The BANKSTOWN SPORTS CEDARS will be the new name of the Cedars Club, as of the start of AVL.
The Cedars would like to thank the Bankstown Sports Club for helping the Cedars become the successful volleyball club that it is. Our accomplishments could not be possible without your continued, generous support.
We hope to see you all at the games!
The Final – Cedars set the benchmark in 2006
Sep 19, 2006 After yet another successful season in 2005, Coach Haddad had to use his uncanny recruitment abilities to rebuild the Cedars for the 2006 season after a few key player departures in the off-season.
The new and current players took some time to gel, but made good use of the pre-season to learn how to play together as a unit. Since then, the team has not looked back, setting a benchmark year for the club with an impressive record to date.
This is how the year has gone so far (win-loss record in brackets):
- 4th place Wollongong State Cup (3-2)
- Won Newcastle State Cup (6-0)
- Won Manly Cup (7-0)
- Won Sydney Volleyball League (16-0)
- Total win-loss record (32-2)
- Current winning streak of 29 games
- Finished SVL season ranked No.1 club team in Australia by Spike Magazine
The team can now look forward to a short break before the commencement of the Australian Volleyball League in October, where they hope to continue this amazing run and achieve their ultimate goal of taking the National Title.
Round 7 - Cedars go back in time with Baulkham Hills
Jul 17, 2006 In a re-match against last year's SVL grand finalists, Baulkham Hills, the Cedars came through victorious again with a good 3-1 result.
It was a throwback to the early 90's, as the Cedars played with no libero. Andrew Simos and George Atrache were both missing due to illness. As a result, the back row attack was sacrificed to create an additional passer. This makeshift reception performed well considering the last minute notice, allowing the attack to punish Baulkham Hills through the middle.
After doing it comfortably in the first two sets, Baulkham Hills put up more of a fight in the third, with the two teams going point for point throughout until Baulkham Hills won 26-24.
The Cedars refused to leave the door open any wider to their opponents and surged to a 10-3 lead in the fourth set, before closing out the match with tough serving, good blocking and transition attacks.
Having reached the halfway point of the SVL competition, the Cedars remain the only undefeated team, with 7 straight wins. Talk of a 10th-straight SVL title is definitely on the cards, but it will only get tougher with every other team gunning to be the first team to knock off the champs.
Round 14 - Cedars...so far, so perfect
Sep 4, 2006 After already securing the top spot going into the Finals, the Cedars defeated Baulkham Hills, 3-0 in the final round of the SVL regular season.
In the process, the Cedars have achieved something special by going undefeated throughout the 2006 season - winning 14 straight matches, and only conceeding 6 sets.
The club should be very proud of this accomplishment, as it shows the tremendous effort the team puts in every week, and the professional attitude of the athletes and coaching staff.
And while we're talking about records, let's not forget that the club is on track for another amazing feat this year, going for it's 10th consecutive SVL title!
Having said that, it's now onto the business end of the season and all these records will count for nothing if the mind isn't on the job.
The Cedars will face Baulkham Hills again this weekend in their Semi Final, whilst second-placed Sydney North will clash with Westside in the other decider.
Round 6 - Sydney North makes it tough at the top for the Cedars
Jul 4, 2006 They say that a good team can beat anyone on their best day, but the true measure of a team is how they perfom in the face of adversity.
On the weekend, the Cedars proved their worth by passing their toughest test to date by defeating joint SVL competition leaders, Sydney North, after trailing 2 sets to nil.
Sydney North came into the match as the only other undefeated team in the SVL and they played as well as their record suggested, with everything they touched turning to gold in the first two sets.
In response, Coach Haddad persisted with shuffling his personnel off the bench to try and find the right match-ups. This called for the introduction of Opposite, Chris Leaupepe into the game, who instantly sparked the team with his dynamic hitting from the back row, in an MVP performance.
Coupled with a vast improvement in the passing, the Cedars middle attack was able to penetrate the Sydney North defence, with Middle Blockers, Nathan Lovett and Michael Perry taking full advantage.
The middle was always going to be Sydney North's main attacking weapon, and the Cedars blocking managed to nullify it, as well as their outside attack.
After withstanding the initial onslaught, the Cedars showed great composure to stick to their gameplan and execute. The thought of losing was never considered throughout the game, which is an indication of how much this young team has matured since the start of the year.
After this courageous win, the Cedars now stand alone at the top of the table. Apart from the 2 competition points, the team takes a lot of confidence out of this game, and has really brought this group even closer. These are the type of games that can either make or break a team, and one thing is for certain - united this team stands.
New Identity for AVL
Jun 26, 2006 The Sydney Cedars will be known as the 'Bankstown Sports Club Cedars' for the upcoming Australian Volleyball League (AVL).
The Cedars name change is a fitting way to recognise the Bankstown Sports Club for their continued support and commitment over 12 years in developing junior players, who will hopefully make the transition into the senior team. The fruits of their support are already showing, with 3 junior players having represented NSW, and who are also members of the senior team. The Cedars also boast a team in the Junior SVL competition, comprising of high school players who represent the future of the club.
The AVL is a national competition showcasing the best volleyball club teams in Australia, with the Final Playoffs being televised on national television (SBS, Fox Sports). This is a great opportunity for both the Cedars and Bankstown Sports Club to enjoy maximum exposure at an elite national competition.
The Cedars Volleyball Team is aiming to be crowned the best team in Australia, and it goes without saying this could not be possible without the invaluable support of the best Club in Australia - Bankstown Sports Club.
For more information on AVL see the following website: http://www.avf.org.au/index.php?id=106
AVL - Inconsistent start to campaign
Oct 9, 2006 Game 1 - The Cedars got off to a flying start in their first AVL match of the season against Mt Lofty (SA), playing faultless volleyball to get within 3 points of taking the first set with the score at 22-18. However, after a timeout the Cedars just could not close out the set and eventually got run down.
This seemed to have an effect on the team, who just could not recover with inconsistent play all-round, eventually losing 3-0.
Game 2 - The Cedars were determined to make amends for the previous day's performance and once again got off to a great start, winning the first set against AIS. The standard and intensity had lifted with a vast improvement in passing and defence, led by libero George Atrache. Small lapses througout the next 3 sets seemed to be the difference between winning and losing, allowing the AIS to grab a 3 or 4 point run in each set which is very difficult to claw back from.
With some AVL experience now under their belt, the Cedars will feel much more settled going into their next match this Sunday against UTS. Hopefully the boys can notch up their first victory this weekend.
See the AVL page for match details and come and support the Bankstown Sports Cedars.
Round 13 - Cedars send Sydney North south
Aug 28, 2006 After the 5-set thriller in the first round where the Cedars snatched victory after trailing two sets to nil, Round 13 shaped up to be a grudge match for Sydney North.
The Cedars had other ideas though, taking the steam out of Sydney North early in the match. After winning the first two sets in convincing fashion, coach Haddad had the luxury of resting a couple of starters and still finished up with a good 3-0 victory.
Good defence and passing were the keys that ignited this demolition job on the team currently placed 2nd on the SVL competition table.
Another pleasing aspect was the return of Lefu Leaupepe after a knee injury, who ironically stepped into the starting line-up after an unfortunate training accident which has sidelined Tom Giese for 6 weeks with torn ligaments in his ankle. The team is hoping Tom will be back in shape for the start of AVL with renewed vigour.
A semi-performance enough for Grand Final berth
Sep 11, 2006 The Cedars will be chasing a slice of history this weekend, going for a record 10th straight Sydney Volleyball League title.
If successful, it will be done incredibly without losing a match this season, with 14-straight regular season wins, followed by a semi-final win (3-1) over last years' finalists, Baulkham Hills.
They will now meet SVL newcomers, Westside in the Grand Final this Sunday.
With such an impressive record, one would think the Cedars would be sure bet for the title. But within the last month, the Cedars have been plagued with season-ending injuries to 3 of it's regular starters.
Andrew Simos is the latest casualty after tearing his calf muscle during yesterday's semi-final. He joins fellow starters Tom Giese (ankle), Nathan Lovett (toe) on the sideline for this weekend's final.
This team has faced many challenges this year and passed on all occasions with flying colours. It seems the biggest challenge of all has been left for last.
Stay tuned...or better still, come out to see for yourself this Sunday at 2pm at the Sports Hall, Sydney Olympic Park (opp. Superdome).
Congratulations to Edi & Angela !!!
Jan 12, 2006 The Sydney Cedars would like to congratulate Edi & Angela on their recent marriage. We sincerely wish you all the best in your new life together.