VOLLEYBALL: Cleobury Mortimer proved their pedigree at West Midlands level with cup final victories for both the men and women.

It was a fitting finale for the club's most successful season which saw the ladies record a highest National League finish of third in Division Two and an EVA Plate final place.

As well as winning their first West Midlands trophies, Cleobury's men impressed with fourth place in Division One.

The other Cleobury teams have developed plenty of players with the ladies' West Midlands seconds finishing fourth.

Around 10 juniors have completed their first season of playing in the league so the future is bright for the club.

For the ladies' final against Persian Phoenix, Cleobury triumphed 25-23, 25-21, 10-25, 25-20.

The villagers settled the best and captain Kath Howells found the opposition's court with big hits to give her side a 15-12 lead.

Phoenix were not about to roll over and tied the scores back at 21-21 only for Cleobury to edge them out in a close first set.

Cleobury jumped into an early four-point lead in the second which they maintained throughout with steady passing from Louise Rochelle, allowing young setter Laura Edwards to shine.

Phoenix took advantage of poor play and a casual attitude to run away with the third set before going 14-11 up in the fourth.

But the experienced Lyndsey Rankin and Becki Brookes took a grip as Cleobury held their nerve to take the trophy.

Juniors Libby Forrester, Jess Hinwood and Charlotte Mann all played their part but another youngster Edwards was player-of-the-match.

Cleobury's men stormed away with a 25-21, 25-21, 25-23 beating of Wombourne, despite being hit by injury and illness.

Without wing hitter Simon Fish and skipper Nick Di Marco, they were still confident of impressing against a side who finished one place above them in the league.

They started well in the first set with middle hitters Paul Guest and Simon Eades earned early points to give them a 14-13 lead.

Cleobury built on their slender lead to claim the opener and then the second continued in the same vein.

There were plenty of silly unforced errors though the villagers were helped by good defensive play from James Dean and Carl Brookes' fine setting options.

They completed a success in the second set but the mistakes continued, even with the pressure eased.

Solid winning hitting from joint men-of-the-match Mark Fish and Mike Childs helped Cleobury make up a deficit to sneak a close final set victory.

Apart from a few summer tournaments, the club will start up again at the end of August and anyone interested in joining can call club secretary Carl Brookes on 01584 890053.