TENDRING Volleyball Club have been crowned National Shield champions.

And proud skipper Stuart Dove admitted his on-song players were always in control during Saturday’s final against Essex Blaze.

Frinton-based Tendring cruised to a straight-sets victory at the National Volleyball Centre, in Kettering, easing home 25-13, 27-25, 25-20.

“It always felt like it was ours to lose,” said Dove. “We didn’t get anywhere close to playing our best volleyball but, thankfully, it was still good enough. That’s the mark of a good side.

“We were always in control and never looked like we were going to lose. Even in the second set, when they pulled a few points in front, everyone knew we had it in us to fight back. You could see that on the players’ faces.

“We knew there was more to come and I said that when we called a time-out, at the end of the set.

“I told them we were the better side, that there was nothing to worry about and that we just had to apply ourselves and prove it in our performance.”

National League division one high-fliers Tendring lifted the shield for the second time in their history, having previously won it in 2012. And Dove feels his side “punch above their weight”, in terms of both their league and cup pedigree.

He feels part of the reason for their success is the players’ strong attachment to the club, Tending Technology College – where it was formed – and their small corner of Essex.

“Everyone out there has a connection with the club and area,” he said. “That’s quite phenomenal and I can’t imagine many other teams have anything similar. It’s one of the secrets of our success. I’ve been playing volleyball with some of these guys since they were 14 or 15.

“In a way we’ve grown up together and it’s fantastic seeing the club’s young players get better and better.

“We definitely punch above our weight and it’s been a great season.

“We’ve had a few new players join us from the University and they’ve blended in really well.

“This gives us a real platform to push on next season and really go for a Super 8s spot.

“Everything’s heading that way and hopefully next year could be our year.”