VOLLEYBALL: Cleobury Mortimer were unable to cause a major upset as they lost to top side London Malory 3-0 in the English Volleyball Association Cup round two.

The away side, packed with England internationals, dominated the first two sets through the speed of their attacks and the disguise of the setter's hand.

Captain and player-of-the-match Lyndsey Rankin was one of few players to rise to the occasion early on with success at the net.

But the greater experience, size, speed and power of Malory helped them win 25-8, 25-12 against a nervous-looking Cleobury.

The home team showed a lot more passion in the third set as Becky Brooks, Sam Harding and Clare Jones combined to give them a good start.

Excellent defensive play from Sophie Cooke kept Cleobury going before they won an excellent seven points in a row in a final 25-19 defeat.

Cleobury, who were backed by the Horse and Jockey pub, now have their sights set on the shield cup competition after reaching the semi-finals last season.

But first they could go top of the league if they beat leaders Tameside next week.

In the West Midlands League, Cleobury triumphed 3-0 at Kineton Riga with junior Jo Harding the player-of-the-match.

And Cleobury lost 3-0 against Wyvern in the Hereford and Worcester League.