British volleyball upbeat about Spanish challenge

GREAT BRITAIN warmed up for this weekend's matches against European volleyball champions Spain with their first-ever away wins.

CAPTAIN'S ROLE: Ben Pipes made his 50th Great Britain appearance during the weekend double-header against Croatia - Britain's first-ever European League away wins

Skipper Ben Pipes - who made his 50th international appearance - played a key role in a double victory over Croatia.

But he knows his side face a different task against the leaders of group A - and the only unbeaten European League team - when they visit Sheffield.

"Every day for the past three years, since the British volleyball programme reformed, we have pushed our bodies to the limit and trained like mad men just to get close to competing with the world's top sides," said Pipes.

"Victories like those away to Croatia are the reward.

"But we know if we are to compete at London 2012, which is the goal, there will be bigger tests to come.

"That includes matches against champions like Spain and I hope we can put on a good show for the home crowd in Sheffield as we prove just how far we've come."

Pipes is full of praise for the impact of experienced campaigner Jason Haldane, a former Canadian international who has just qualified for a British passport.

But performance manager Kenny Barton denies the turnaround is down to one player.

"Jason Haldane has played a key role in the further development of the team, even in the short time he has been playing with us in this summer's European League fixtures," he said.

"But the development of volleyball in this country is down to far more than just one man. The contribution from the entire squad has been absolutely fantastic.

"The young guys in the squad have been called upon time and again by coach Harry Brokking and they have risen to the challenge, making sure their is no complacency in the top group as they fight to retain their places in the team."