Men’s Match Report: Mahindra Australian Volleyball Super League

Venue: Netball Central, Homebush, Sydney NSW
Teams: Canberra Heat vs. NSW Phoenix
Result: Canberra Heat lost 0-5 to NSW Phoenix
Set Scores: 10-18, 15-18, 11-18, 16-18, 12-18

Round 1 team: 17. Rex Merewether, 2. Charlie Beard, 3. Tom McKinney, 6. Ioane Aniseko, 7. Jamie Fouche, 8. Max Edvardsson, 12. Euan Rochford, 14. Dylan Phillips, 16. Dan Moisescu, 21. Ben Larson

Set 1: The set began scrappily with both teams exchanging points and errors. A crucial overpass by Canberra Heat was punished by NSW’s Murdoch, giving Phoenix the first significant lead. The set remained close until halfway when Fraser Garrett, Ethan Garrett, and a strong front court pushed NSW 5 points ahead. Despite a temporary fight back from Heat, Ethan Garrett’s block sealed the set for NSW at 10-18.

Set 2: Moisescu started strong with 3 points on serve. Despite some errors, NSW’s Ethan Garrett and Pascal Eckermann kept the pressure on. A large portion of this set went point for point, but NSW pulled away through consistent performances by Fraser Garrett and Robert Murdoch, winning the set 15-18.

Set 3: Murdoch’s serve gave Phoenix a 4-point lead early on. Despite strong attacking from Charlie Beard and a brief comeback by Heat, NSW maintained their lead. Key plays by Ethan Garrett and Murdoch, along with a disciplined finish, secured the set for NSW at 11-18.

Set 4: Euan Rochford started the set with an ace and couple of nice receives.  There was some excellent work on the net by Heat through both Beard and Max Edvardsson, but ultimately NSW capitalized on Canberra’s errors. The set remained close, but NSW’s disciplined play and key blocks secured the set at 16-18.

Set 5: Murdoch’s serves once again gave Phoenix an early lead. Despite some strong plays from Canberra, including a big swing from Beard and another block from Edvardsson, NSW maintained control. Key errors from Canberra and strong plays from NSW, including a final block, secured the set at 12-18.

Summary: NSW Phoenix was too strong with consistent performances and strong teamwork, winning all five sets. The young Canberra Heat showed moments of promise but couldn’t sustain their momentum against a disciplined NSW side.