UEL will win the Premier South for the fourth consecutive year if they defeat the University of Cambridge on Wednesday evening.
The Blues travel to Cambridge three points clear at the top of the division, knowing a 3-0 win will secure the title.
Rivals Essex sit three points behind UEL with two games in hand, though won’t be able to match UEL’s point difference should the east-Londoners secure a 3-0 score-line.
| POS | TEAM | PL | W | L | GD | PTS |
| 1st | UEL | 9 | 8 | 1 | 20 | 24 |
| 2nd | ESS | 8 | 7 | 1 | 16 | 21 |
Careful Optimism
Coach Jefferson Williams knows his side are in control of their destiny:
“It is a good position to be in as our fate is in our own hands. We are confident that we should be able to win this match based on the result when we played Cambridge last. However, we are not taking anything for granted.
“We will be prepared for the match, despite not having a competitive match since the first weekend in December. It’s probably good that most of the players will be involved in the NVL match this weekend as it will aid our preparation.”
Old Habits
Having been out of action since before Christmas, Williams hopes the team can rediscover the form they established prior to the break:
“I am more concerned that we haven’t trained enough as a team because of some key personnel missing for varied reasons. Hopefully the matches that we played before Christmas and the synergy that we had then will reappear quite quickly.”
Personal Growth
With less frequent training as a group, the girls have been working on their own individual games:
“We have taken some time to refocus on the individual fundamentals, trying to maximise the contacts that the players get. Some players have hit their strides straight away and we are pleased about that.
“It has taken a bit longer to get players focused again, but hopefully we are over that stage now and having a match to look forward to will serve the process well. I know that the players love to compete.”
Treatment Table
Ahead of the match, Williams provided an update on the injury to Katerina Boletou, the Blues’ only doubt for the trip north:
“We are a bit concerned that Katerina, our opposite spiker, strained her knee at training on Tuesday. The physio has confirmed that it’s not serious so hopefully a few days rest will sort the problem.”
High Hopes
UEL may be on the verge of securing the Premier South title, but Williams’ sights are set on securing the National Championships later this year:
“The feeling of winning is always nice, however it’s not enough and won’t be until we win the Championships. We will continue to chase the dream as long as the opportunity is still there.”
When and Where?
The game is set for a 18:00 start this Wednesday the 23rd of January at the University of Cambridge Sports Centre, Philippa Fawcett Drive, CB3 0AS.
