WARRINGTON Wolves volleyball players leapt around in glee.
They did so after becoming the first team this year to defeat table-topping Haughton Darlington.
And that came after despatching Manchester Marvels earlier the same day.
The home double at Orford Jubilee Hub on Sunday leaves Wolves third in National League Division Three North going into the final games of the season.
Coach Pete Guernari hailed a "sensational squad performance" as Wolves comprehensively overhauled Darlington.
“Every player made a telling contribution throughout the day's play to enable us to win both fixtures,” he said.
> VIDEO and REPORT: Behind the scenes at Warrington Wolves Volleyball Club
Wolves set about victory against Manchester by guarding against complacency but also using the match to prepare the whole squad for the tougher fixture to come later in the day against Darlington.
Each player featured in the first set, which was won 25-14, before Wolves took the honours 25-8 and 25-20.
Oskar Waga received the man-of-the-match award while experienced Paul Bedworth recorded a 100 percent success rate with his attacking.
After seeing Darlington dispatch Manchester in similar 3-0 fashion the afternoon was set up for an exciting third fixture.
> Watch how Wolves dented Darlington's unbeaten record:
At 15-all in the first set Valentinas Jaunius peoduced an exceptional display of servicing, supported by strong attack blocking and back court recovering, to break away 22-15.
Wolves showed great game management to complete the first set win 25-22.
They took the second set 25-18 after leading 15-6 at one stage thanks to tactical serving from Jaunius and Phil Knowles helping the team to wrestle the rallying initiative from Darlington.
There was a flash point when both officials missed a ball-out against the net antenna and Oskar was red carded for his protests.
A few unforced errors enabled Darlington to force themselves into an 11-7 lead in the third set.
Wolves stayed strong of mind and re-established their game plan.
Matt Agius, four points, Izwirashe Wazara, four, and Oskar, five, turned the set round 25-21.
Before this game Darlington had only conceded six sets in 11 games.
Guernari praised back court specialist Alex Brown for producing a high percentage of good quality service reception, and the setters of the team, Chrosphero Caballero and Agius.
Squad: Phil Knowles, Manriuz Fronczyk, Oskar Waga, Bartosz Manczak, Chrosphero Caballero, Fulons Solbakken, Valentinas Jaunius, Matt Agius, Paul Bedworth, Martin Mierzwa, Izwirashe Wazara, Alex Brown.
Wolves conclude their first season in the National League on Sunday with home fixtures against Manchester Marvels, noon start, and Hull Thunder, 4pm. Spectating is free.
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