CLEOBURY Ladies have been crowned West Midlands League One volleyball champions after a nail-biting run-in that saw them just edge out rivals Tamworth Spartans.

Both teams were in the running going into the final two games with Cleobury making the trip to Wombourne in the knowledge that Sunday away matches had not seen the visitors at their best.

The home side succeeded in finding all Cleobury’s gaps during a tough first set which they took 25-18. And it was a similar tale in the second which also went Wombourne’s way 25-21.

With some passionate performances from setter Becky Brookes in the third set to middle hitter Harriet Snape and winger Lyndsey Potter, Cleobury finally woke up and took this one 20-25.

Back in the match and with some strong defensive play from libero Beeb Gallagher and Laura Edwards, the fourth set was close but Wombourne edged it 25-22 to take the match 3-1.

Losing this crucial match meant the title was still in the balance but also depended on Tamworth’s final two matches. So when their title rivals lost out to WBA NEST, Cleobury knew they had to win two sets of their final match at home to Tettenhall Tigers to be crowned champions.

Being the more experienced side, Cleobury took the first set by storm. Some solid serving from Potter, Edwards and Brookes gave them a comfortable lead and they were soon back in the flow. Setter Brookes utilised all hitting abilities with Katherine Howells spiking some fast middle balls and Rosie Millichamp finding court out on the wing to take the opening set 25-9.

With the versatile Snape switching from middle to outside hitter, the home side once again led from the front in the second set and with strong defensive play from Gallagher and blocks set up by Shannon Smith, Cleobury took the second set 25-13. The title was theirs. The third set was much the same, with Cleobury taking it 25-11.

Cleobury Ladies lost just three of their 14 matches and Lyndsey Potter was voted Oppositions’ MVP with the Players’ Player award going to Harriet Snape.

There will be an end of season social event at Cleobury Sports and Social Club on Saturday, June 12.