YORK ace Tony Richards has smashed his way to a volleyball bronze medal at the World Corporate Games in Macedonia.

Richards, 31, was part of the seven-strong English Norwich Union team that finished third behind two Greek teams at the international event, which brings together competitors from 24 different sports.

Greece's BP side were the eventual winners and were the only team to beat Richards' outfit.

He said: "I think we were the second best team but we were unlucky to have to play them again in the semi-finals after the group games. They swap-ped shirts with us and said it would have been a better final.

"I have not competed on that scale of international competition before and it was a pretty good feeling to see the level of players there. The competition was hard and we really had to work our socks off to stay in the competition.

"I think the other teams were surprised how well we did because we were from the UK."

Greece, USA, Yugoslavia and Russia are traditionally the world's strongest volleyball nations and the opposition in Macedonia included three Greek teams and others from Germany, France and the UK.

The Norwich Union team was selected from the company's offices in York, Leeds, Bristol and Norwich.

Richards, who plays for three-time Yorkshire Premier League winners York Volleyball Club, has worked in IT at Norwich Union's York branch for two years and helped the national team reach the World Games with a second-place finish at the British qualifying event.

He took up volleyball ten years ago after a suggestion by a basketball team-mate.

"I moved to Harrogate from down south ten years ago," Richards said.

"I used to play basketball for Middlesex and then Leeds Tigers and somebody I played with at the time asked if I wanted to try volleyball.

"I never played it at school or anything but you do not have to be as fit as you do to play basketball and it's easier on the knees and joints."

Richards joined York five years ago and has captained the first team, who are now seeking their fourth successive Yorkshire Premier League title.

He has also represented Yorkshire in the National Area Cup against counties up and down the country and helped clinch a top-ten finish.

He is now involved in a tournament run by the club for all teams in the area on August Bank Holiday as well as coaching York's younger players.

Training is at Oaklands School from 8pm on Tuesdays and games are mostly played at York College. The club are looking to recruit younger players and anybody interested should call Tony on 01904 330599.

He will also be running an induction day for scout groups next March in West Yorkshire for the 14 to 25-year-old age group. Scouts are encouraged to contact their group leaders if they would like to participate.

Updated: 10:17 Saturday, December 06, 2003