(19/03/2000)
Success and more success. That was the Riga club's record over the weekend as the Men's National League Division One side clocked up two three-nil victories over Birmingham and Crofton at the St. Nicholas Park Leisure Centre, Warwick and the Women's team eased their relegation fears with a three-two triumph over Thames Valley in National League Division Two. The Men's results also confirm their continuation in the top flight next season, whilst making their visitors' chances of survival mathematical rather than probable.
Riga's men have seen mixed fortunes since the turn of the year. A good Cup and Shield run has not been reflected in League performances. Victory over both Birmingham and Crofton, the bottom two sides in the Division, was a necessity as much as a measure of Riga's survival chances. The tenseness that showed as the Birmingham match opened emphasised the predicament of both teams. Once a lead was established, it was Riga who dominated through Graham Duckett, John Gilling and Pete Abraham. Having put the first set away at 25 - 19, the home side were rarely troubled by an increasingly poor Birmingham and closed out the match 25 - 18, 25 - 17, with a Duckett block sealing Brum's fate.
The Crofton match was a different kettle of fish. Despite being bottom, the visitors, drilled by England Junior coach Ian Legrand, provided much stiffer opposition. However, they met a Riga side who had returned to form and were invigorated by their display the previous evening. An opening Crofton lead was quickly overturned with interest as captain Tom Young added his power to the contributions of Gilling, Abraham and Duckett. Once in front, Riga's victory was as sealed as Crofton's fate. The 25 - 22 first set success was soon followed by a 25 - 19 second set triumph. As Crofton hit the self-destruct button with a series of unforced errors, Riga kept their heads to secure a two-nil lead. A highly competitive third set was much the best Crofton had played all match and Riga had to pull out all the stops to stay in contention. The deciding break came with Duckett on service and the killer duo of Abraham and Gilling front court. The Crofton attack wilted and Riga swept home 25 - 19 to record a second successive straight sets victory.
"The two games couldn't have been more different," commented captain Tom Young. "Birmingham seemed almost beaten before they entered the hall, but we were too nervous by half. Once we got our heads together it was easy but hardly high quality. Crofton came at us with guns blazing and we had to respond or be blown away. We rose to that challenge and in the end they were well beaten. Two great results for us - and I feel there may be a few more before the season's out."
However Riga's next match pits them against League Champions and Cup Finalists, Malory. The trip down to London next Saturday is not one that many teams relish, given the abundance of England internationals that grace the current League Champions. Whilst Riga travel more in hope than expectation, they are due a performance against the top team in the land and Saturday could provide the opportunity. "I always enjoy playing la crème de la crème. It gives you something to aim at. A measuring stick against your progress - and I'm looking for progress this time ," says Young.