CLEOBURY Mortimer Volleyball Club got their 25-year anniversary celebrations up and running with a victory in their opening West Midlands Men's Volleyball League Division One match.

Despite having a depleted side because of injuries, they ran out 3-2 winners over AT7 after maintaining the momentum that helped them clinch the championship last season.

They clinched the first set 25-17 with solid back court passing from Jon Nock and Nick DiMarco, unrivalled hitting from Simon Eades and impressive play from young debutant Tom Leach.

Pinpoint setting from Matt Bate and the power hitting of Mark Fish were the key ingedients as the Mortimer men romped home 25-14 in the second.

With AT7 pulling themselves together and Cleobury resting on their laurels in the third set, the visitors edged back into the match with a 25-16 victory.

The fourth set went down to the wire with Cleobury coming out fighting and AT7 matching them point for point before sneaking it 26-24 after Eades was penalised for reaching over.

Despite previously trying to avoid the need for a fifth set decider, when it arrived Cleobury kept their composure to ease to a 15-11 win and deservedly take the match.

Meanwhile the club will continue to mark its quarter-of-a-century milestone with a celebration day on Saturday, November 25.

Current and former club members are invited to take part in a fun tournament from 2pm, followed by a game between Cleobury Old Men and Shropshire Old Men at 5pm.

Volleyballers and their partners are then welcome to attend Cleobury Mortimer Golf Club at 7pm for 7.30pm for a buffet, speeches and a chance to reminisce about the old days.

This will be followed by a 1980s themed disco from 9.30pm until late.

Secretary Carl Brookes said: "It is for anyone who has been involved in Cleobury Volleyball Club, and their partners, during the past 25 years.

"It would be brilliant if we could get as many ex-players as possible together for a few beers and a good chin wag.

"During the evening we are looking to re-tell some of the funnier moments from the club's history," he added.

Anyone interested in attending should call Brookes on 01584 890053 or e-mail him at bognbec@btopenworld.com by no later than Saturday, November 19.

The bash will be followed by a game between Cleobury West Midlands Ladies and Cleobury Junior Girls on Sunday, November 27, 1pm warm-up.

In 25 years, the club has gone from strength to strength and now runs a junior boys team, junior girls team, West Midlands ladies team, West Midlands men's team and a National League ladies team.