After two emphatic displays against Birmingham Uni tosecure the league title and a cup semi-final success, Cleobury were looking to cap the season off with the West Midlands Cup Final win against Tettenhall.

But it was not to be and the Shropshire team tumbled to a 1-3 defeat in a lack-lustre match.

Both teams were unable to find their previous blistering form and Cleobury looked nervy in the first set and were unable to turn defence into attack. Tettenhall were far from inspiring but they remained consistent as they quietly sneaked ahead 13:7. Cleobury's rhythm was further disrupted by an appalling referring decision and they soon found themselves 20:10 down. Cleobury conceded the set 25:17.

The second set was a much better result for the Shropshire side as they levelled the set score at 1 all. Captain Katherine 'sandwich' Skelhorn and Lou Rochelle served well to take the pressure of the still inconsistent first pass. However Tettenhall threatened throughout. It was not until 17 all that Cleobury pulled ahead thanks to consecutive wing and middle kills from Sam Harding. Cleobury wont he set comfortably 25:20.

The third set was a thriller all the way through. Neither team could find an opening to pull away despite hard, penetrating serves from both Tettenhall and Cleobury's own Lucy Nash. The teams traded point for point from 16 when Tettehahll upped their work rate to frustrate the Cleobury attack before finding the floor themselves. At 24:21 the set looked over but confident net play from the skipper and controlled serving from Lucy Nash brought them back to 24 all. Unfortunately it was not to be though and Tettenhall took the set 26:24.

The fourth set was again close with player of the day Jess Hinwood showing her more experienced peers up with another winning middle attack. Setter Becky Brookes continued to work hard and at 21:23 down she gave hope to the team by picking up an impossible ball. Cleobury battled all the way to the finish but they were never able to match the teamwork of the young opposition. The better team on the day won the

final set 25:22 leaving a disappointed Cleobury only one piece of silver ware for the cabinet. The big positive for the day was rising junior star Jess Hinwood who made full use of her big chance. Jess and fellow juniors Charlotte Mann and Laura Edwards have all improved bucket loads since they started playing at Christmas, we all look forward to their first full season for the team in September, in the meantime though we all need a good rest.