Kilmarnock Blaze bounced back from a tough volleyball lesson at the hands of City of Edinburgh in the Scottish Cup Semi Final, less than a month ago, to overcome the team from the Capital in the National League Play-off semi finals.
The Blaze had home advantage in two of the three matches and both teams won their home match 3-2. This set-up a third match decider, where the Blaze lost the first set 25-17 and were staring defeat in the face after a slow start. The Ayrshire side dug deep and found a whole new level of performance to overcome a very competitive Edinburgh team. City of Edinburgh has a very talented and large squad and they fought until the very end, before finally conceding defeat 25-22 in the fourth set.
Kilmarnock’s victory against City of Edinburgh ensures they maintain their proud record of appearing in every National League Play-off Final since the Play-offs were introduced. This record is even more impressive as player/coach Stuart Edgar has had to develop his squad over the last two years to allow for the departure of Allan Thomas, Gary McGuire, Steven Jackson, Angus Mitchell and Neil McCallum.
This season in particular, has seen youngsters Euan Duncan (19), Stewart Caldwell (20), Mark Lawson (16), John Hollis (23) and Martin McMullen (24) step-up and start to fill the gaps left in the Blaze squad. There has also been international recognition for setter Colin Giles and middle blocker Stewart Caldwell.
The Blaze will now prepare to face Glasgow Mets in the National League Play-off Finals, having lost all three previous meetings this season. The experienced Mets unit have overpowered the young Blaze team but Kilmarnock will take belief from dethroning current league champions City of Edinburgh.
Why not come along and see the top two teams in the country battle it out for the 2010/11 League title?
Saturday 9th April Mets v Blaze Gorbals LC 11.30am First Ball Served
Sunday 10th April Blaze v Mets St Joseph’s Academy 12.40pm First Ball Served
The Blaze will look to end another successful developmental year by pushing Mets all the way and you never know what can happen on any given day……