Steel Men Defeat Heat In Canberra

The Perth Steel Men have fallen just short of claiming top spot on the Scape Australian Volleyball Super League ladder at the end of their regular season, beating Canberra Heat 1-4 at Lyneham but just missing out on the extra couple of points that would have delivered them prime position on the table.

It was a dominant performance on the road by Perth, taking the first four sets 15-18, 11-18, 15-18, and 16-18. Winning the final set by more than 5 points would have given them three more competition points, enough to put them on top of the ladder, but instead the Heat spoiled their Steel’s plans, winning the fifth 18-13.

The coaches balanced their line-ups in a bit of a cat-and-mouse, with both teams having secured a place in the finals before the match started. Perth started off well, with Ky Landers strong in attack helping Perth to an early 6-3 lead before the Heat came back with Oliver Clayton and Kevin Phang keeping Heat alive and down just one at 11-12, however Perth kept the edge and took set one.

The second set started in similar fashion with teams trading sideouts before a three Ace serving run from Tom Heptinstall gave Perth a 12-7 lead that Canberra couldn’t close. Heptinstall was the point leader for Perth scoring 13 points for the match.

Having secured a place in the finals and a 3-0 win, Perth Coach Mark Petersen took the chance to rest his star players, leaving Volleyroo Tom Heptinstall, Mexico Olympian Jose Martinez and starting setter Ryan Slater on the bench for sets four and five.

Jed Walker for the Steel was one to grab his chance, putting on an impressive 9 point display in two sets to give the Steel a selection headache for their semi final against the Melbourne Vipers on Saturday. 

Perth Captain Daniel Piggott was please with his side’s win and confident going in the finals, meanwhile Heat will take on ladder leader Adelaide Storm for a place in Sunday’s final.