It was a better performance than that which overcame Solent a week earlier, the visitors dominating the early stages through the powerful serving of John Gilling. Dubious line calls upset the rhythm and after Gary Oakley was shown the yellow card concentration lapsed and Liverpool took the first set 15-10.
They piled up a 7-1 second set lead, but good serving, and some telling blocks by the Phil Leach/Gilling combination dragged Riga back. They reached set point only for the home side to snatch the verdict 16-14.
Riga responded with some of their best volleyball of the season. Mike Percival took over from Owen and the set was secured 15-8. Any thoughts of a fourth set collapse - to which they were prone last season -were dispelled as Simeon Nex, Tom Young, and Leach kept the pressure on Liverpool ,and the 15-11 scoreline levelled the match.
Both team fought tenaciously for final set points, with Riga keeping a narrow advantage. Liverpool saved the first match point, Riga in turn had to save one, and after two more tense rallies they clinched it 17-15.
"A tremendous match for both sides" said skipper Tom Young. "We didn't start
too well and let some poor decisions rile us. Once we re-focussed we showed
what we could do. lt was a
real confidence booster for the rest of the season." Riga's next match is
against Leeds next
weekend.
