Last weekend at the beach stadion at Scheveningen, the Dutch national beach volleyball championships took place. Despite a gloomy start to the day, the crowds started to flock in and around the stadion. The weather improved and the event was bathed in warm sunshine making for a great family day out.

The centre court that was of course situated within the main stadion saw some of the Netherlands top beach volleyball players take their turn in the tournament. This top talent included players that represented the Netherlands at the last Olympics in Beijing.

As well as the main centre court, there were numerous courts dotted around outside the main arena. So all in all there was action for a total of just over eight hours, non stop. The action provided by the players was amazing. The sport is very fast and very action packed as players throw themselves around defending their part of the sandy court. It is not just a game to those who take part. On more than one occasion there was an angry outburst by the hard done by players protesting about incorrect calls. This all helped to add to the already fun atmosphere.

Unfortunately Sunday’s weather kept the crowds of Saturday away. This is bad news for those who were put off by a threat of drizzle from up above, as the play was amazing. Cooler conditions meant that the players could really throw themselves in to the competition as the semi-finals heated up in preparation for two great finals.

The first final was that of the ladies. Sanne Keizer, known to all as the “Kaizer” and Marleen van Iersel took on Madeleen Meppelink and Marioes Wesselink.

The final proved to be the best game of the whole tournament. Wesselink and Meppelink fought like tigers to claw back the second set when it looked beyond them. Some of the acrobatics on display by these athletes was unbelievable.

After a long battle; that was decided in a tie breaking third set The Keizer and van Iersel came through victorious. It was truly magnificent game to watch.

The men’s final followed and certainly had something to live up to, live up to it they did. Yet another match to be decided in a third set tie breaker. Richard Shuil and Reinder Numerdor defeated Dan Spijkers and Emiel Boersma in a real thriller.

After all the matches were played, the trophies were awarded in light rain but a happy atmosphere. The sportsmanship that runs through the players of beach volleyball should be followed by participants in other sports.

Next week the best beach volleyball players in the world descend on Scheveningen as it is the towns turn to host the Beach Volleyball world tour. If you did not attend last weekends Dutch Championships, make sure you go along to see this tournament. So much to see, do and enjoy. Expect action of the highest speed and quality. If you are not sure of the rules, do not worry, running commentary is given in Dutch as well as English. This will be the highlight of the Scheveningen beach sporting calendar. The event starts on Tuesday and the main draw starts on the Thursday morning, play continues through the week with the finals being played on the Sunday. Weather forecast is due to be fine, so I can really recommend this as a great day out. Not just the sport, but there are also lots of wonderful beach bars and restaurants to visit to feed your hunger and thirst.

Text and pictures by Neal McClimon
neal@thehagueonline.com
www.itpphotography.com
 

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