TENDRING Volleyball Club chairman Alex Porter says James Baker and Sonny Chaney will reap the benefits following their first senior England action.

The duo were part of the men’s squad that took on Dutch champions Landstede Volleyball, in a three-game series in Zwolle.

Although England were pipped in all three contests, Porter – who coached the team – says the learning curve will do his whole squad the power of good.

Both Baker and Chaney have strong links with Frinton-based Tendring.

Baker still plays for their men’s National League side while Chaney used to play for his home-town club and has just earned his first professional contract playing in Belgium.

“The aim was to go there and be competitive,” said Porter.

“With that in mind, it was a great success and the boys acquitted themselves well.

“Although we lost all three matches, two of them were by three sets to two and both were close in the fifth – 16-14 and 21-19.

“Many of our players were walking into the unknown and most were youngsters between the ages of 17 and 24.

“It was a real learning curve but one that will do them all the world of good.

“They know what the next level feels like and I’m sure it’ll leave them wanting more.”