'Amazing achievement' as Rebels celebrate play off joy

The Essex Rebels volleyball sides are celebrating an “amazing achievement” after securing back-to-back national top four play-offs.

Now the men’s and women’s teams will compete in the hotly anticipated Final 4 over two action-packed days.

Unfolding in London’s Crystal Palace National Sports Centre the games will see the Rebels battle to take home the Super League titles for the first time.

Tickets are on sale now for the games which will take place on April 5-6.

Despite only launching in 2022 the Rebels side has gone from strength-to-strength, attracting international athletes and pushing players for international honours.

The Final 4 was launched last year with the women finishing 4th and the men secured a bronze medal.

The men are top of the Dynamik Men's Super League – winning 13 out of 14 games.

As it stands, they are currently first place in the standings with the next few weeks seeing their opponents decided, with the club gunning for gold in London.

The Rebels are also competing for silverware in a home National Cup semi-final at the Essex Sport Arena on March 22 against the London Giants.

Head of Volleyball and Men’s Head Coach Alex Porter said: “Back-to-back Final 4 appearances is an amazing achievement for this team.

“We retained nine of last year’s squad, during preseason the team’s goal was to win Gold and we’re firmly on track to achieve this in the regular season and at the Final 4.”

His thoughts were echoed by captain Jacob Kern.

The women are currently third place in the MAARREE Super League having played 14 games and securing 11 wins.

Women’s Head Coach, Alex Chinery, said: “I'm pleased to once again be heading to the Final 4 with this group.

“We have worked tirelessly this year to be elite in every aspect of the game and to achieve this with four games to spare is testament to the hard work of the athletes.

“We believe we're amongst the very best teams in the country so to qualify for such a prestigious event is just reward for our performances this season.”

Captain Chelsea Simmons was on the same page.