West Gippsland Volleyball Association division one premiers Samoa USO claim their medals and trophy. They are (back, from left) Niko Ah Chong (best on court), Teni Neli, Seeti Falanaipupu, (front, from left) Sefo Autugavaia, Talitau Tanumafili and Chris Waitangi.
West Gippsland Volleyball Association division two runners-up Legends are (back, from left) Bimal Narayan, Bevin Narayan, (front, from left) Alan Miller, Jackson Wakefield and Robert Harmes.
Samoana took out the top prize in West Gippsland Volleyball Association division two. They are (back, from left) Alisa Faamaoni, Gloria Tiatia Levaai, Epi, (front, from left) Paul, Mikaele Alefosio and Aomala Gafa.
The West Gippsland Volleyball Association one runners-up were Tigers. They are (back, from left) Brent Schuurmans, Rob Rhodes, Brian Bartlett, Andrew Moon, (front, from left) Kevin Axford, Paul Edwards and Adam Newton.
The West Gippsland Volleyball Association spring season came to a close last week with two hotly contested grand finals.
Division one.
Samoa USO def. Tigers
In a hotly contested three sets Tigers defence was pressed constantly by a barrage of power hitting of Samoa USO which was led by Niko Ah Chong (season joint-MVP).
Niko's power and athleticism proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Any Samoa USO lapses in concentration were recovered under the guidance of their captain Talitau Tanumafili (also a season joint-MVP) to hold off the challenges Tigers could muster.
Able to grab valuable gaps in each set early and hold them to the end, Samoa USO proved just too strong.
The sets went 25:21, 25:19 and 25:21, proving that Tigers took the fight right up to their opponents.
A livestream is available for reply for 28 days on the WGVA Facebook page. It's well worth the watch.
Leanne Bamabridge Memorial medal winner (best on court) was awarded to Niko Ah Chong.
Division two.
Samoana def. Legends
Samoana came into the game as heavy favourites and Legends, despite being outgunned and down on personnel, fought hard in what was a close battle.
The match was played mainly point for point with frequent momentum changes.
Legends took the second set to push Samoana to a four-set match, but with a full-strength side firing Samoana were able to generate the win in their inaugural season.
The difference proved to be Samoana being led by female MVP in their captain Alisa Faamaoni and Leanne Bambridge Memorial Medalist Epi.
A live feed for division two is also on the association Facebook.
A reminder to all teams to get in touch ASAP about entries for the Autumn 2024 season which will begin on February 8.
Anyone interested can email the association or send them a message on Facebook.
