TENDRING Volleyball Club began their National Men’s League division one campaign with two victories in the Midlands.

They beat Coventry and Warwick Riga in straight sets on Saturday, winning 25-17, 25-17, 25-18.

And they followed it up with a 3-1 victory against Birmingham on Sunday, this time taking the honours 25-22, 30-28, 18-25, 25-17.

“There were plenty of positives to take from both games,” said captain Stuart Dove.

“At times we were unstoppable, on Saturday.

“The new guys have settled in exceptionally well, both on and off the court, and it’s shaping up to be a very exciting season.”

Nick Davies was Tendring’s Most Valued Player (MVP) against Coventry, while new American recruit Derek Guimond received that plaudit after the Birmingham game.

“At times we played some impressive volleyball but credit to Birmingham, because they came back strongly,” said Dove.

“Mentally, I thought we were excellent and despite going set points down, we had the composure to come away with the win.”

Meanwhile, in National Men’s League division three south-east, Tendring’s second team had a comfortable 3-0 victory against Richmond (25-17, 25-22, 25-17).

They then followed it up with a hard-fought victory against Team Essex Juniors.

The first set went as planned, with Tendring taking it 25-12.

Team Essex Juniors came out firing in the second and third sets and won them 25-23 and 27-25.

With the pressure on in the fourth set, both teams brought their A games but Tendring took it 25-21.

The Frinton side then won the fifth 15-6.

Setter Liam Chinnery was nominated MVP.

Tendring’s next division three fixtures are not until December 20, when they take on Norwich Spikers and Team Essex Juniors, at the University of Essex.