CLEOBURY Mortimer had a mixed start to the new National Volleyball League season, with two defeats and a win in their first three matches.

The first match was against newly-promoted Norwich, and Cleobury were beaten 3-0 (25-20, 27-25, 25-22).

With new faces in the team, Cleobury expected to take points from the match, but the well-drilled visitors took the honours with little resistance.

There was better news in the second match, when Cleobury entertained Malmesbury Mavericks and won 3-1 (25-19, 25-18, 20-25, 25-19).

A full-strength squad lined up for this fixture, and went into an early lead thanks to Becki Brookes' strong serving. Cleobury held an eight-point lead for most of the first set, and won it comfortably.

Cleobury soon polished off the second set, then, despite conceding early points, Malmesbury piled on the pressure and took the third set.

In the third set Eva Mort hit superbly, and Cleobury kept their focus to win. Clare Jones was player of the match.

The following day Cleobury were hosts to Devon, the team having to travel from Leeds. This proved a real battle, and in the end Devon ran out 3-2 winners (13-25, 26-24, 25-20, 15-25, 15-13).

Cleobury thrashed their visitors in the opening set, but Devon soon struck back to take a 2-1 set lead.

Sophie Cook served especially well in the fourth set and Cleobury levelled the score.

Cleobury won the toss to serve in the fifth set and it was nip and tuck until the referee blew for a decision which only she appeared to have seen.

Cleobury kept their composure to take the next point, but Devon took the next, to win the set and match.