Volleyball
12 August, 2025
Heidelberg on top in winter volleyball
Heidelberg has hit the ground running, winning their first two games of Volleyball Horsham’s A grade winter season competition in a bold statement to the rest of the competition.
The new look team, spearheaded by premier setter Nathan Berry and veteran Tim Popple, showed their wares when challenged by Tyler Snowden’s young Tsunami team to record a close but important victory, which was the highlight of round two.
Heidelberg took the first set 25-23, but Snowden’s team showed grit and determination to come from behind to take the second set 26-24.
Up stepped Popple and Jake Myerscough in the third, and with good service pressure, got Heidelberg out to a 14-2 lead, and from there the set and the win was in the bag.
The second game saw Rangers bounce back into the winners’ list with a three-set win over an undermanned Hellenic Nuggets.
Missing key setter Kara Johnson, captain Dimitrios Vettos had to reshuffle his line up, moving himself into the setter’s role, Lloyd Baker to passhitting, Cleo Baker to libero and the returning Oliver Garth-Lindsay into the middle.
The Vettos brothers threw everything at Rangers to get back into the first when it looked forlorn at 8-13, and together with Cleo Baker showing outstanding defensive skills, they managed to get their noses in front at 23-22, but Hannan said “not on my watch” and served his team to a first set victory 25-23.
Hannan and James Davidson got Rangers off to the dream start in the second set and busted the set wide open, leading 18-8. Despite a late rally from Loucas Vettos, Hannan’s team took the second set 25-17.
The third set was better for the Nuggets as Cleo Baker moved into the setting role, but Rangers proved too strong on the night, winning 18-13 and taking an all important 3-0 victory.
Hannan's Milestone
Volleyball Horsham recognised the major milestone of 400 games for Jack Hannan with a presentation before his game last week.
Hannan began his volleyball career in 2009 in B grade with a team called Phantom Dockers, which won the premiership in its first season together.
The rangy kid with long arms and legs progressed into A grade pretty quickly and has been a staple since.
His 400 games include 139 with Phantoms in State League and over 50 country championships games.
Hannan has won seven A grade premierships, three Robinson Medals as A grade MVP, three Abud Medals as most consistent and has come runner up once in his career.
Hannan was captain of Phantoms' premier two men’s team this year.
Hannan is the only current day member to have a men’s division one gold medal, as he played a key role in the team’s 2019 maiden gold medal victory.
Hannan thanked his teammates for their support over his 16-year volleyball journey and the 30 year old still has plenty ahead of him.