The fourth week of regular season RBVL activity was played on an overcast, cool night at Riis Park. Conditions were not ideal but they were quite a bit better than the Monsoon Games of June 4^th. Some players still haven’t completely dried out from that ordeal.

        Coppersmiths and Marie’s Traitors squared off in the much-anticipated match-up of former teammates. Marie’s won 4-1, led by Rich and Marie, the King and Queen of Mean. No mercy was shown, not even to Gatorade Sister, Clare. A shutout was avoided when Gregory served three aces to close out the finale. Lauren and Kathy kept the games tight with some terrific all around play. Some are comparing the upset one game win to the Bad News Bears beating the 1927 Yankees.  This is the Traitor’s first losing streak of the season.

            Just Healy’s beat the young Kerry Hills Eiele team 5-0 with veteran Rich McDade rounding into his old form and sparking the team. Dancer was happy that the two Kerrys played much better than they did at darts last week.

    Abbracciamento’s and Bikini Bottom All-Stars played a dead even match with the Bottoms coming out on top 3-2 (without their tops), including a couple of exciting overtime comebacks. Speaking of comebacks, Commissioner Patty Moule made a triumphant return and made Rocky and Frank look good with some perfect sets. Frank and Kevin returned from the Police Olympics to lead the charge for the A Men, which came up just short. This battle featured our two lead reporters going head to head on the court, hurling metaphors and similes at each other. It was simply the most literary match the league has yet seen. Stevie Collins made his first appearance this week – but it was only for the drinking! Not only was it his first appearance it was also his last – appearance as a NYC Police Lt. Even on his last night of duty he made it down to the party At the Tap & Grill. Congratulations Steve on a job and career well done. Welcome back to the beach.

           Amazingly, the Beach Division schedule this week produced a “position week”. The top two teams squared off in what may be a playoff preview. Its All Good took a close one over Stelth 3-2. League officials are checking the height of the net at 7-Right because it was reported that “Cement Shoes” Flanagan had three spikes during the night. In addition the height of the sand will be checked to solve this mystery. The new comer Stelth showed great ability and will be a big factor come playoff time. TBG noted that they’d even be more dangerous if they new how to spell Stelth correctly. Seal was alone at the bar once again and was seen talking (negotiating?) with Rocky. Would Laura have made the difference for Stelth – where is she? Rumor has it that Stelth may be bringing out a secret weapon next week. All we can say is that it’s the wife of a long-time league player. 

The Sharks lost a close one to the Beach House 2-3. Veteran ref Coach called a tight but fair game. At least the calls seemed fair until some players noticed him drinking with the House gang after the match. Questions must be asked and inquiries will be made. The Sharks would like a list of demands to be met.  The bar league teams should be on one end and the super serious dudes should play anywhere but by the steps!  They don’t want to walk any further to go to the bathrooms. Gatorade, what is that? Lets put the fun back in volleyball.

     The Mahooshkas beat the Ramblers & Gamblers 4-1 and the Kerry Hills Pub won with the same score against the Beach Club. Bonnie stopped by from the Ramblers and Gamblers, as she always does. She asks the question that many people are asking, “ What is a Mahooska?”  In any event all had fun. The Ramblers are praying that all of their players will show up next week.  Bonnie is even offering free umbrella escort service from the parking lot to the playing field.  What can we say about Joe Locurto?  He was absolutely in the game tonight!  Lets keep the momentum Joe.  In their battle the Beach Club was paralyzed by the head-butting of the Kerry Hills Della but B’B’s boob bump got them right back in it. Welcome to the team B’B and “In The Face” GG. Thanks to KM. Shout out to PK Sideout.

            Connolly’s is coming back, baby! The Quick Brothers, Victor and Tom sparked the rebuilding former championship club, which had recently fallen on hard times. Steve and Party Boy played an awesome game.   Stevie would like everyone to know that the infamous Cookie Races are run each Thursday night at 7:00 PM sharp.  With all this on his mind, is volleyball taking a backseat? Even Kenny made an appearance while Cheryl just signed a lifetime contract. Rick, work on your bumps. Next week Steve will be playing for the first time without chest hair since Jimmy Mack pulled it out with a playful tug at the bar. By the way all this enthusiasm led to victory in 1 game for Connolly’s. Fillmore Insurance won the other 4.

             John McCann, Dan Boyle – Where the hell are you? New babies don’t count, John. You’ve got two already. Without you the Fisheads lost 5-0 to the strong women of Jameson’s. OK, the guys weren’t too shabby either. In the final Wave Division match the Rugby Clubhouse defeated the Federation 4-1. 

            Irish Tunes lost to the Odd Couples, but they didn’t go down without a fight thanks to Wonder Women and her following.  When WOW appeared, Coach Tom had to be revived by Bonnie!  After the skies darkened, everyone was worried that she would fly the coop. (Is she allergic to rain water?) As for Chooch and Boom Boom, rumor has it that they are finally making dinner for their families.  In any event, Irish Tunes lost to the Odd Couples 3- 2!  Thank god Super Man was there to save at least one game! In other Boardwalk Division action One Win got 3 wins against the host Tap & Grill Cheese Fries and the Beach Orphans spanked the Suns of Beaches 5-0. Connolly’s Island lost to the vastly improved Pier 92 Piranhas 4-1 to complete the night. 

            The Tap & Grill misjudged the appetites of the players and the food disappeared quickly. Thankfully, they didn’t make the same mistake with the beer. Jay Butler from the Tap & Grill still wants apiece of Abbracciamento’s – bring it on, brother!  Will he bring his pom-poms or what? Next week’s party will be held at Pier 92. Last year’s affair was highlighted by a DJ and some of the best food of the season. Both the food and the DJ will be back again. Plus you can’t beat the location right on the water. Capt. Allison promises a good time for all. Meet your friends after the game for a cold one.           

More people are coming to the league reporters each week with game stories and gossip. Keep up the good work. Just a sentence or two is terrific. You don’t have to be a writer; that’s what we get paid the big bucks for. You just bring us the ideas. We’ll be waiting for you with the laptop. For extra pictures and stories check the web site at members.tripod.com/rbvl/. 

            The league came very close to starting all of the games by 6:30 PM – nice going gang! Keep up the good work. Thanks to Rocky for clearing up the parking issue. ROSTERS are due next week on Wednesday 6/25.  That means that on Thursday they are overdue. The season is half over and it’s time to take care of this important administrative item. We’ll see you at the beach on Wednesday.

 Connolly’s Island lost 1-4 to Pier 92.  Wait until next week.

     Its All Good took a close one over Stelth 3-2. League officials are checking the height of the net at 7-Right because it was reported that “Cement Shoes” had three spikes during the night. In addition the height of the sand will be checked to solve this mystery. The new comer Stelth showed great ability and will be a big factor come playoff time. TBG noted that they’d even be more dangerous if they new how to spell Stealth correctly. Seal was alone at the bar once again and was seen talking (negotiating?) with Rocky. Would Laura have made the difference – where is she? Rumor has it that Stealth may be bringing out a secret weapon next week. All we can say is that it’s the wife of a long-time league player.

     And lets not forget to say about what a great job Christin and John provided for us after our games at the Tap and Grill.   Thanks for the great company and good food.  Fun was had by all.

     So, we will see you all next week.  Same Bat Time, Same Bat channel.  Next weeks after play party will be held at Pier 92.  See you then.