Lynx Shattered

Team Northumbria claimed another vital volleyball win in the run up to a tough game against league leaders Leeds.

TN beat London Lynx 3-1 in a homecourt clash that saw the confident hosts dominate at Sport Central.

TN only let one set slip away in a close tie against fifth-placed Lynx, finally closing out the clash 26-24, 25-11, 24-26, 26-19.

Coach Dave Goodchild said: "The lads had a steady team performance. They did really well in patches

"It was a professional win but nothing spectacular. We did what we had to do.

"We attacked well in the game with Atilla Berndt, in particular, playing really well.

"We’re focussing on the Leeds game next week now because that’s going to be a tough one.

"We’ve been using the games coming up to the Leeds match as an opportunity to test out strategies and game plans.

"I’ve been pushing the lads in training and trying out different techniques to ensure we play the best we can.

"We tested out a lot of things in the London Lynx game that worked for us so that’s a positive.

"And we’re stepping up training this week in preparation so we’ll probably have around three or four sessions.

"Some things have worked and some things haven’t but individually we’re all sorted. It’s just a matter of putting it into practice.”

TN tackle Leeds next Sunday in the semi-finals of the National Cup in a clash that could prove to be their toughest game yet.

Leeds remain undefeated and at the top of their game and TN know they will need to cause a huge upset to make the 2012 final.

But Goodchild has a gameplan designed to beat the favourites and continue their winning streak.

TN's women face Leeds in their own National Cup semi-final next Sunday - immediately after the men's fixture.

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