Santry Calypso and DVC Abu overcame spirited opposition to take both Association Shields back to Dublin.
In Sunday’s first game Santry held their nerve in a topsy turvy 5-set thriller that went to the wire. Their opponents DVC Lions put up a great fight against the current Premier Division leaders but Giulia Fagiani masterclass was the difference as the Dubliners ran out winners 25-17, 20-25, 19-25, 25-18, 15-9.
In the first set Fagiani’s service game was exceptional as she ran up 13 consecutive serves to give Santry an unassailable lead, and when it mattered in the fifth she killed 7 of the sets first ten points. It was no surprise she was named MVP.
Laura Connolly and Bruna Conti were superb for the Lions but Calypso backed up their 3:2 league win by the same margin in Kilkenny.
In the Men’s Shield final, Premier Division DVC Abu were too strong for a highly competitive Gardians. The D1 outfit were undone by the sheer physical presence of the DVC middles and 6ft9 wing Artur Troska who was named MVP. Opposite Gienadijs Kukjans also impressed.
The Clondalkin club ran out 25-22, 25-22, 25-21 winners. Some very positive signs for Gardians though who are currently top of the D1 table and will be confident that if they can get into the top division they’ll be a match for most.
