Four even teams have been formed in the A grade competition, with the Raptors up first tonight when they take on Tim Popple’s Shados Inala.

The young Raptors are stepping into A grade for the first time and will look to setter John Kearns to make smart decisions as he distributes the ball to key hitters Aidan O’Connor and Will Brennan.

Livewire Zac O’Brien will have the responsibility of being the key passer in his role as libero, while Bailey Thomas will be keen to try his luck in the top grade of the competition after a great National Schools Cup campaign.

In the second game, Nathan Berry’s Phantoms will be out to quieten the New York Nuggets. Phantoms will welcome back southpaw Tory Chapple after injury while young Murtoa gun Will Saligari will make his A grade debut.

Phantoms captain Nathan Berry is confident of going back to back in A grade.

“We have put together a solid group of players with much resting on the shoulders of Lachie Wilson and Shaun Bray as pass hitters.”

Nuggets captain Jon Fitzgerald is looking forward to seeing his team bounce back after missing the grand final last season.

“We have Kara Johnson coming in as our setter and she is proven in A grade while Loucas Vettos and James Davidson will need to step up in their middle blocking roles.”

In B grade a new look Phantom Rangers team will take on an even newer looking Von Steiger Shadows in the first game.

Matt Grace and Darcy Wills are the keys with support from Murtoa import Beau Pendlebury.

The Von Steigers welcome big hitting Adam Harrison back to the fold, while winners are expected to flow from young guns Mitch Crough and Tom Roberts.

The second game sees the Phantom Masters take on Waterhammers and these two teams always put on a great game.

Groups or individuals interested in participating in any grade of competition should contact info@volleyballhorsham.com.au.