CHAIRMAN Alex Porter has issued an appeal for help ahead of a historic weekend for Tendring Volleyball Club.

The club’s women’s team have defied the odds to reach the Super 8s play-off semi-finals and now face a double-header at heavyweights Team Northumbria.

However, their hosts have insisted that Saturday’s first game starts at 12pm – meaning that realistically Tendring have to travel on Friday and stay overnight in the North-East.

They will then stay for a second night and play the second match on Sunday lunchtime.

It means that despite being an exciting occasion for the Frinton club, it could cost in the region of £1,200.

“It’s brilliant for the girls but not something we budgeted for,” said Porter.

“We never expected them to do so well at the end of their first season in the Super 8s.

“But while being very exciting, it’s also going to be very costly.

“Ideally we’ll send a squad of a dozen girls, in addition to one of the girls’ dad, who is going to drive them by minibus.

“That means that in addition to the travel costs, we need to find two nights’ hotel accommodation for 13 people.

“And even being conservative, I estimate that’s going to cost around £1,200.

“It’s a lot of money to find and only two of our players aren’t students, either at Tendring Technology College or the University of Essex .

“That’s why we’d love it if there were someone out there – an individual or business – who might be willing to help us out.

“Any kind of donation, however small, would really help us out be very much appreciated.”

Tendring were only promoted a year ago but finished fifth in the table and high enough to qualify for the end-of-season play-offs.

They advanced into the quarter-finals and thumped City of Salford in straight sets, 22-22, 25-13, 25-14.

That set up next weekend’s trip to champions and National Cup runners-up Northumbria and the winners will meet Polonia SideOut London or Wessex in the final at the National Volleyball Centre, in Kettering, on May 7.

“It’s been an amazing achievement to get this far,” added Porter.

“We know it’s a bit of a David and Goliath situation but if we start well, it will put a bit of doubt and uncertainty in their minds.

“We’ll send a squad up there, whatever happens.

“But depending on the cost, it might only be six or seven girls as opposed to a full squad of 12.

“We really hope someone can help us solve the problem, because the team have worked so hard all season and deserve the best chance possible.”

Meanwhile, Tendring’s men’s team suffered a blow in their quest for National League division one title honours after losing 3-0 at new leaders Solent on Saturday.

The South Coast side prevailed 26-24, 25-18, 25-23 and now have a two-point lead over second-placed Tendring.

The Frinton side need to win their final fixture to stand any chance of reclaiming top spot.

If they finish second in the league, they will face relegated Super 8s team London Malory on May 15 and the winners will play in next season's Super 8s.

Tendring finish their season at Black County on Saturday, starting at 1.45pm at Redhill School.