Shepparton Sports Stadium came alive with big volleyball energy at the weekend.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
It has spikes and flies - but Shepparton’s new rising phoenix is far from mythical.
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Volleyball was back in vogue in the region at the weekend as the second edition of the Shepp Revival tournament took over Shepparton Sports and Visy Stadiums, drawing hundreds of players to the courts from near and far.
Goulburn Valley Volleyball Association hosted the event, with organiser Sharon Murray lauding the weekend as “incredibly successful” after doubling last year’s attendance.
“We’re super happy with how it all went and (we) really appreciate the support from not just local teams but the wider volleyball community,” she said.
“Last year was the first Shepp Revival with us hosting as a new association.
“We had 24 teams and we more than doubled that this year, going from three courts to six, so (it was) a much bigger event for us and we’re incredibly happy with how it went.”
Pure athleticism was matched by immaculate vibes over Saturday and Sunday’s action.
With $500 prize money up for grabs for winners and $200 for runners up, Punjab Sports Club made it back to back men’s premierships after defeating Blazers in the final while the women’s premier decider was won by Spikers, beating Volleyball Albury Wodonga.
In division one, Griffith side Afi Boys A took out the men’s final while local outfit GV Stingrays - featuring Victorian youth representative Lucy Heard - won the women’s equivalent without dropping a set all weekend.
Last but not least, Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme team Samoan Strong 2 snared the men’s division two title, busting out into traditional song and dance to celebrate the victory.
“That was great to see their supporters there in force and a great celebration for them,” Murray said.
Shepp Revival will return in 2027, and while Murray hopes to build on this year’s levels, current court availability restricts the tournament from expanding much further.
Regardless of whether or not the event goes big or keeps a similar interest to this year, one thing is for certain.
Volleyball has been revived in Shepparton.
News photographer Megan Fisher was courtside to snap the game between Singh Sadlia and Spikers.
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