AUTUMN season premiers have been crowned in the Bendigo Volleyball Association following last Thursday’s grand finals.
In the junior finals, Crusoe Crusaders proved too strong for the Rebels in the 15 boys competition.

The ladder leaders won the match three sets to nil.
A much closer contest in the 17 girls went to a deciding fifth set, with Girton Diamonds prevailing 15-10 over the BSE Dragons. The other junior champions were the Rebels, who claimed the 15 girls’ premiership three sets to nil over Girton Tigers. The match was decided in three tight sets, with only 11 points separating the two sides over the entire three sets.

In senior finals, Chikigh defeated Golden Square three sets to one in the women’s final. Golden Square got off to a good start and took the first set with Kate Eason playing well.
Chikigh clicked into gear in the second set to level the match.
Holly Eason battled hard in defence for Golden Square, however the attacking ability of Chikigh players Letitia Lahtz and Sheridan Olsen proved too consistent as Chikigh took the premiership.

The men’s division one final saw the Bois side take on ladder leaders Golden Square. The two sides had been the standouts all season and the defending premiers got off to a solid start with David McCormick and Matt Gordon combining well to take the first set. However, Bois hit back with some strong blocking from Tony DeAraugo and solid defence from Jack Belsar. Golden Square had too many attacking options with Jope Vakaru sealing the match with a winning spike to win the point and the match for Golden Square three sets to nil. The men’s division two final saw a one sided affair with Golden Square Hawks proving too strong for Golden Square Blue, taking a 3 set to 1 win. The attacking ability of experienced players Leigh Gordon and Brad Kilcullen dominated for the Hawks side.

The Blue side were well served by Dave Addison and Steve Knapman, who combined in many successful attacks. The last final of the night saw the mixed division teams Goldies take on ladder leaders Shannanigans, in what turned out to be the closest final of the night. Ken Plathe worked hard for Goldies, while Shannanigans were best served by Jason Pearce and Shannon Hall, who showed great consistency all match. The game see-sawed the entire night, with many long rallies making it hard to predict a winner. After saving a match point, Shannanigans took the match 18-16 in the deciding fifth set. Entries are now due for the spring season of Bendigo Volleyball, scheduled to begin after the school holiday break. Teams should contact Bendigo Stadium for further details