And they face a formidable task against enduring champions elect Mizuno Malory Lewisham. At least Riga cane travel secure in the knowledge that they are short of a mathematical miracle, safe from relegation.
They slipped to 8th after the defeat against Whitefield Sportset a fortnight ago, but the gap between them and the relegation zone remained unchanged. Liverpool would need to win their last two difficult games, against Newcastle and Leeds to stand any chance of catching Riga.
"After last season when we struggled, we have proved we can survive" said skipper Tom Young. it's not been a bed of roses and we can do better, but for the first time in our history we've retained our Division One place on merit."
It will certainly be no rose bed at Mizuno who have been undisputed champions for the last six years, and look certain to make it seven. The squad is packed with GB and England internationals, and have dropped a mere seven sets in 12 matches to date.
Riga vs Latvia next Thursday - see back page.
