week9

The Flip Cup All Stars have finally arrived. They have gotten off the schneid. They feel like they belong. They won this week 4-1 for the first time since they joined the big dance in the Ocean Division. Their odds of winning the whole league have dropped to 60-1. Brian Sica was seen getting on a jet to Las Vegas to place a wager. Thanks to John Sica’s wind serves, 13 straight in game one, Katey’s lefty hit, and strong play by Liz and Mikey Murphy the All Stars took down their good friends of Sullivan and Galleshaw. Was it a coincidence that Mike Gambino and Trish Sica didn’t show up for the second straight week? What would Duff Mendez think? Or Katey?

The Federation continued their resurgence, taking out the host Wharf Rats 4-1. The absence of their leader Tom Ford inspired them as Ryan and Thomas played well. The Wharf did an amazing job keeping trays and trays of food coming with the help of Simon Says Sea Bar Mike McElhattan’s sister Sheila running the food, and Side Out Babes Steve Collins’ sister Maureen running the bar. They provided plenty of Penne ala Vodka, Barbeque fair, rice pilaf, and of course their famous fish taco’s which transformed into fish Burrito’s this year. The referees were first in line for food, as usual, and they were found in the corner together but alone. It was like an old prison movie where they were eating their food in silence, together but separate. Ref Jerry N. went at it a different way and had several cold beers while waiting for the food line to shorten. That worked out pretty well, too. Big spender Tony Carty reminded Patty and Joe that he was going to buy a beer but he forgot to buy them one. No wonder his communion money just ran out two weeks ago.

Archrivals, Side Out Babes and JG Electric played volley for volley all night with the Side Out Babes taking them down 3-2. Every time these two teams play it is a great match. Kara played awesome for the Babes. Team Margarita has been led by the great Sal Chieffo with his dynamic play and bumping skills. They should all learn from the great “Salvatore.” The Margarita’s will be flowing next week. They took the Beach Orphan’s 3-2. Last Call has been living it up with the reports that three of their key players were seen in the muddy waters of the Mississippi River. Since that report, there has been nothing but party after party for the rest of the team. Secret Agent Man, has been deep into an investigation as to what ragbrai means.

The spring breakers from 2010 played the spring breakers from 1979 tonight and came away with three wins. Considering it was Atwoods last supper and his last dip into the Jordon river, it was a night to remember. Despite all the trash talk from the youngsters, Last Call had them in the end. Thanks to Nadine for her five minute appearance at the Wharf. In a planned strategy, Joel of Simon Says dropped his beer on the star player of SOB, Maf, causing a grievous injury so when they meet for the rematch in two weeks he will be incapacitated. Rumor has it he has now put in for ¾ disabilities. They beat Robin Shapiro Realty Island and widened their lead over them. Shapiro would have won more games if they weren’t so interested in the girls on the sideline. Denise is quick to point out how the games that they did win were with four girls and two old men. Girl Power! Denise, don’t ever let them see you sweat.

Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? One of our oldest dogs, Joe Abbracciamento McGivney has just joined his first band after nearly six decades on the planet. (Maybe he’s planning for life after volleyball.) Gearth, Wind and Fireman play once a month in Bay Ridge at the Kettle Black on 3^rd Avenue in Bay Ridge. On Tuesday, GW&F cranked up the music and the Rockaway Breakers came to Brooklyn for the big show, keeping up their tradition as one of the best party teams in the league, but somehow didn’t show up in full force at the Wharf. The only acceptable excuse was given by Cousin John, who returned to Ireland and wondered how long it would take him to form a volleyball (drinking) league of 68 teams back home. Team leader, Rusty, made it though and even gave up the last hot dog to Joe. Simon, Patty, and Denise were at the same show in Bay Ridge and they showed up with bells on. Rumors are flying, “The Breakers can’t go out two nights in a row.” If you’d like to see the old boys of GW&F rock, drop Joe an e-mail and he’ll add you to his mailing list to let you know about future performances. If you want to know what you’re in for, talk to his biggest fans, Patty and Denise.

The Beach Bums have determined that they are in the wrong division as they have amassed the best record in the league at 39-1. They beat Le Greann 5-0 but the competition was good, despite Joe, Mike and Glenn looking at the sunset when they should have been concentrating on the competition. They were short girls having to rely on only Dana and Kim who rose to the occasion and survived all five games setting up the guys and passing great. Mason forgot to bring his wig, but luckily the girls showed up and he didn’t have to shave his legs. Connolly’s sucks, not the bar, the team. Steve has been at the bar since the losing streak started. Long live the losing streak - from first place to last place in four easy seasons. The skills for a triathlon do not transfer easily to volleyball. “Run, bike, swim” does not help “bump, set, spike.” They’ve got to try a new triathlon. Connolly’s is filing a complaint about always playing next to Cement Shoes Flanagan and Twinkle Toes Murphy, along with the Hilton twins, Debbie and Alice who distract their game and teach them bad habits. A league first, father, daughter refereeing. Emily refs and keeps score, Dad can only keep score, maybe that’s why dad keeps losing. Cheese Fries were finger licking good, as usual. They won four games on great play by Devon, and Fish, no wait that was Phil. EZ Company took three, because everyone played together as a team. Star player Maureen Cummins was at the Wharf to tell the tale of her great play. Male players are learning to follow the rules, but a shout out to the girls, Annie, Ann, Deborah, Fitz’s wife Deborah and Dolores. Despite all these women, they took only three.

It’s All Good began its playoff push last week and surged to eighth place in the standings with their sites set on moving on up to seventh. They sank like a stone their first game, which you can easily find on any court. Unlike Boz Scaggs, they were going down fast until Mary Beth turned the tide by braking serve and holding the next four points into the wind. It was All Good once again with a 4-1 win that should get the veterans an invitation to the big dance on August 14. When Cement Shoes missed his match two weeks ago, ESPN ran a poll to see what the team missed more – his cooler of beer, his lantern, his boom box or his spiking ability. The results - his cooler of beer 94%, his lantern 2.4%, his boom box 3.5%, his spiking ability 0.1%. The Social Yachties weathered the wind storm by taking 3 out of 5 from Wii not fit although the Yachties suffered a few casualties, having to rush three members of the team to Peninsula Hospital for wind burn and two for exploding bladders due to the lock down of the park restrooms! I hope the Snotties show up to another party besides showing up at the Bungalow Bar for free burgers and t shirts.

The details of the annual RBVL awards party were recently confirmed. This year’s extravaganza will return to Jameson’s, which did a great job in hosting last year’s affair. And our very own Tommy Tunes will be spinning the music to insure you will hear the songs you love. In the past, many people have asked that the awards dinner be held right after the season and this year that’s the way it’s going to be. August 20^th is the big day. That’s the Friday after the playoffs. Mark it down on your calendars and make your plans accordingly. $50 will get you food, music and 4 ½ hours open bar. Denise and Patty will accept deposits or payments in full starting now.

When the RBVL season is over it doesn’t mean volleyball is done. You can play ball and help out a worthy cause at Peyton's FUN Raiser: Beach Volleyball Tournament, which will be held on Saturday, August 28th, from 10 PM - 3 PM, Rain or Shine, at Bay 9 in Riis Park Beach (Beach 155th Street and the Boardwalk). The Benefit is for the son of Pat and Jacqueline Tansey from Robin Shapiro Island and it will be a fun, family-oriented event for all levels of play- competitive 4's and recreational 6's. Prepaid $50 donation (or $300 for team of 6) includes participation in the games, tank top, food and entertainment. $60 Donation on the day of the event and it's based on openings. Players MUST be age 14 and up. Teams will be divided by their requested level of play. There may be separate divisions for the FDNY and NYPD, depending on demand. Raffles and 50/50 tickets will be sold and prizes awarded at the tournament. A Small Volleyball Clinic for Children will be provided along with other favorite activities. Children (under 12) are FREE (with a participating adult). Therefore, please be sure to register your children as well. The donation is $20 for Non-Player Attendees. Bring your coolers, beach chairs, and sunscreen and have fun as you help raise money for a very worthy cause! DJ Tommy Tunes will provide the music. Flyers and entry forms will be available the next two weeks on the boardwalk. Check www.pathwaysforpeyton.org for forms and details.

Remember – when you set up the net next week and something is missing or broken, let Steve or Rocky know immediately. That’s why they are in the equipment room right up until game time. As always, if you have any questions please call Patty at 917-613-0908. (Be sure to call between 10 AM and 9 PM. Remember, Patty has a life outside of VB, too.) Or just check our website at www.rbvl.com. You'll find the answers to most of your questions there, not to mention pretty pictures and funny stories.

See you on the beach!