Volleyball: New dad Johnstone delivers in semi-final

Edinburgh JETS’ setter Martyn Johnstone enjoyed a double celebration as he guided his team into the Scottish Volleyball Cup final just 48 hours after his wife Zoe gave birth to son Murray.

Johnstone admitted he has not had much sleep since the new arrival on Friday, but he was alert enough to help his team beat Glasgow Mets 21-25, 25-15, 25-19, 25-21 at the Edinburgh University Pleasance.

It was the first semi-final in a packed day, but holders City of Edinburgh lost out in their tie, going down 25-17, 23-25, 23-25, 23-25 to Kilmarnock Blaze.

After taking the first set, 
Edinburgh allowed Kilmarnock to boss the big points and the Ayrshire side set up the final clash with Jets.

Edinburgh player-coach Barry McGuigan admitted his side did not deserve it on the day, but the defeat ruined their chance of a first league and cup double.

City of Edinburgh women remain on course for a clean sweep of the domestic honours after beating Troon Team 
Ayrshire 25-12, 25-17, 25-21.

Only in the final set did Troon threaten as they came back from 11-15 down to tie it up at 19-19, but Edinburgh had too much firepower with Great Britain cap Jen Thom and former 
England captain Mel Coutts making their presence felt.

They advance to face 
Edinburgh Jets, who beat North Lanarkshire 18-25, 25-19, 25-8, 
25-22 last night after coming back from 22-15 down in a thrilling final set.