VOLLEYBALL: Two terrific away wins have given Cleobury Mortimer ladies the perfect preparation for the biggest game in their 25-year history.

They are looking forward to a cup showdown with London-based Malory who have been at the top of volleyball for the last 10 years and boast many England internationals.

Cleobury's confidence for the match on Sunday, November 17, was boosted by successes at Cambridge and Chelmsford to leave them second in National League Division Two.

Cambridge 0 Cleobury 3

Cleobury demonstrated greater fire power to play a neat and controlled game at a comfortable pace.

Sam O'Connor and Lyndsey Rankin took advantage of the early open net to put away exhibition-style winners, while Clare Jones pulled off a cheeky one-handed block to frustrate the opposition.

The 25-21 and 25-20 scorelines were comfortable but Cleobury were 19-8 behind in the third.

Player-of-the-day Becky Brooks served 11 straight points to inspire the rest of the team, Sophie Cook cleverly found the gaps and O'Connor grounded another key fast attack.

Cambridge led 24-19 but Cleobury's outstanding defence, led by Jones, held their nerve to haul round a 30-28 comeback.

Chelmsford 1 Cleobury 3

Cleobury bounced back to win a tight game highlighting excellent defensive skills.

Jones and O'Connor linked up with Brooks to win points through the middle but Chelmsford had their own threat to take the first set 25-22.

Cleobury cut out the errors and Laura Boddey controlled the back-court with her speed and power as they won 25-19.

Cook began to shine with some tremendous serves before Eva Mort sealed their fate in a 25-22 second set win.

Chelmsford found new energy and Cleobury were again troubled by the long reach of their big middle, falling behind 19-14.

But kill hits from Boddey and O'Connor as well as the pick-up of the match from Mort earned them the decisive set.

Mort and Boddey jointly took player-of-the-day.

Cleobury men nearly pulled off a shock in the English Volleyball Association Cup first round but lost 3-2 to higher league Warwick Riga.

Their strong team got off to a great start against National League Division Two opposition to win the first set 25-22 with excellent work from Paul Guest, Carl Brookes, Mark Fish and Simon Fish.

They continued to play well as Nick Di Marco was solid and Mick Childes blocked well in a 25-23 second set win.

Slight lapses saw Warwick hit back 25-20 and they levelled the match with a dominant 25-19 scoreline.

Cleobury fought hard in the decider but a mishit helped Warwick gain a 15-12 triumph.