WESSEX gave American-bound Dave Cuthbert a winning send-off with a 3-0 victory over Reading Aces at the Carter Community College.

It was Cuthbert's final National League game for the Poole-based team before leaving for the USA later this month.

Cuthbert's excellent defensive display helped the hosts to a 25-18 triumph in the first set.

Wessex started the second set poorly, however, and a string of unforced errors gifted Reading a six-point lead.

But with Rob Semmence and Matt Pretty scoring heavily with quick middle attacks, Wessex ran out comfortable 25-17 winners.

The third set proved to be a much closer contest with Wessex clinching it by just two points 26-24 thanks to strong attacking from wide players Bobby Hudson and Dan Hunter.

Deputy coach David Hubbard hailed the victory as the team's "most professional performance of the season so far".

SHAUNA'S SHOW

HARD-HITTING Shauna Mullin was the star of the show for Wessex TeamBath in their 3-0 home triumph over Loughborough University in the National Ladies Division One.

Mullin scored point after point with some explosive middle hitting as Wessex closed out the first set comfortable 25-17 winners.

The player of the match was again dominant in the second set with several impressive backcourt smashes to set up a 25-10 success.

The third set was won 25-13 with a complete change around for Wessex as they experimented with new player rotations and the introduction of former England setter Simone Lewis.