Riga brush aside Docklands in cup

Warwick Riga v London Docklands,  Men's KO Cup, 13th January 2002

Warwick Riga 3 London Docklands 1 (25-18, 13-25, 25-13, 25-12)

With London Docklands losing to the mighty Malory on Saturday, Riga regained third place in the table but that duel is set to run. However, victory for either side in the Cup quarterfinal would give them the edge at a crucial time in the season. Both sides were up for the game and some captivating volleyball graced St. Augustine’s Sports Centre in Coventry. Despite an early Docklands lead, Riga replied emphatically through Spijkers and Bottomley and when de Hoogh and Gilling added their telling contributions the first set was as good as over. At 25 – 18 to Riga it soon was.
Set two had Riga with their foot firmly off the gas. Docklands had not achieved their status in the League this season through luck and Riga were taught a lesson as the 25 – 13 score line proved.

 Set three had to show an improvement in the home form if a first ever appearance in the semi-final was to be realised. Gifted the first four points in the set, Riga never looked back and pounded their opponents from all angles. Spijkers and Paterson particularly caught the eye but attack of the set went to big Richie Meade who fair smacked Docklands’ backside with a superb strike through the middle. Docklands release came at 25 – 13.
Docklands take a time out
Tom upping the ante
 Could Docklands lift themselves to take the fourth set? A 6 – 3 lead began to say yes but Riga used a time-out to refocus their efforts and the impact was almost instantaneous. Three Gilling bombshell serves set the tone and when Patterson took Riga into the lead with more astute serving, Docklands were distinctly under pressure. However it was left to Wyles, having his second superb game in a row, to take eight points on the bounce and finish the visitors off. At 25 – 12, Riga’s first semi-final appearance was secured.

"Unbelievable," said captain Tom Young afterwards. "It just gets better and better. Brilliant result. I can’t wait for the Stoke match. On this form we’ll beat anyone – and that includes Malory!"