In the second match of the WEVZA tournament in Frankfurt, our U20 men faced Italy. Compared to the first match, there were a few changes in the starting line-up. Ponseele started as playmaker and Vandecruys replaced the slightly injured De Vleeschhauwer.
Belgium opened strongly and immediately created a gap (8-5). A less good service by the Italians and a Vandecruyse who scored to his heart's content (the Italians were able to block him for the first time at 15-15) ensured that the match remained in balance until 21-23. Finally, the Belgians had to bow their heads at 22-25.

The Belgians were not upset at the start of the second and went along smoothly until 5-6, after which the lights went out, so to speak : via 6-9 it went to 7-13 and 9-20 despite a double substitution and 2 time-outs. Our boys struggled some more only to have to leave the 2nd set to the Italians 13-25.

The Italians continued their momentum (4-8 and 7-13) and whatever Belgium tried it became the game of just not. At 9-17 there was a flare-up but Belgium did not get any further than 16-25.

Birthday boy Mauro Lips will always remember his 18th birthday as the day Italy was a size too big for our deserving U20 players.