Head coach David Rijvers was encouraged by Richmond’s performance even though they went down 3-2 at Sheffield in their National Volleyball Division Two clash.

The 15-25 25-18 22-22 19-25 12-15 defeat means that, with three games left, the Kingston College-based side are fifth in the table, the position they need to hold to qualify for Division One next season.

Rijvers said: “If we play as well as we have done recently there is no reason why we can’t finish the season in the top five.

"As long as we stay focused and play consistently well, we do well.”

Remaining matches: Mar 20 Loughborough (a), 27 SGTV Solent (h), April 10 London Knights (a).

Table: 1 Leeds Carnegie played 13 points 39, 2 London Knights 13-33, 3 Wessex VC 13-31, 4 Leicester 12-30, 5 Richmond 12-26, 6 London Lynx 14-26, 7 SGTV Solent 13-23, 8 Manchester 13-22, 9 Sheffield 13-19, 10 Brentwood Partners 12-18, 11 Loughborough Students 11-15, 12 Plymouth Activate 5-4.