Warwick Riga start their build-up to the new volleyball season at the weekend
in an Anglo-Scottish tournament in Liverpool.
The competition attracts some of the best sides north and south of the border
and will be a real test for a much-changed Riga outfit.
The close season has seen some significant changes for Warwick. Despite
finishing bottom of National League Division One they have maintained top
flight status thanks to a revamping of the National League structure.
An American Footba11 style Conference system has been introduced which has
expanded Division One to 12 teams and given Riga a stay of execution.
Captain Tom Young said "In the. past few years no other side has won three
games in Division One and been relegated but that would have been our fate
until they changed the structure".
"'It would have been harsh, especially as one of those victories was
against the side that finished fourth. We've been given a second chance and
we're going to take it,
Warwick are matched with Wessex and Solent in their Conference. Wessex finished
third last year while Whitefield beat Riga in a, nail-biting final match of the
season to just pip them to safety.
Solent, who are Warwick's first opponents at -St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre.
on Saturday; September 16 at 6pm, are newly promoted having finished third in
Division Two.
The Riga -squad has been strengthened by the addition of ex-England
international Mike Percival who is returning to the game after work commitments
forced an absence.
His considerable experience has already balanced the side and provided a much
needed steadiness.
Another newcomer. is Simeon Nex who has transferred from Division two outfit,
Radio Trent Rockets and will reinforce the middle attack and block.
Richard Meade, who left mid-season to take a trip round the world is expected
to return while the batch of new-boys is completed by ex-RAF Harrier Phil
Leach:
But Riga will be without the services of England junior Pete Abraham who has
moved out of the area and wi11 now play for newly-promoted Sheffield in
Division One.
"The Anglo-Scottish tournament has a very good mix of sides and is the ideal
way to build up for. the season. We surprised a few sides last year in this.
competition and I'm sure well do it again," added Young.
