NVL Division 1, 11 November 2006
Guildford International v Warwick Riga
0-3 (18 - 25, 23 - 25, 19 – 25)
Match Report by Phil Hudson
Saturday 11th November saw Riga take the long journey south to meet second division high-flyers Guildford International in the second round of the National Cup competition. Riga have a good record recently in the cup, reaching the final in two of the last three years, and were hoping for a good start to this years campaign.
Coach Young selected a starting line up that included Martijn Stroo, making his first start for Riga since joining the club this season, and just reward for his efforts to obtain a particularly fashionable haircut. Early points were traded evenly, until a run of serves from both Kees de Hoogh and Phil Wyles stretched Riga into a four-point lead. Luca Molinari was active all round court, passing well, and causing the towel to feature much earlier than Guildford had expected. A ‘call of nature’ almost cost Damon Minotti his chance to shine on frontcourt, as Coach Young opted for a tactical double substitution to push home a six-point advantage without establishing the whereabouts of this week’s reporter. However, all ended well, with Riga winning the set 25 - 18 in 26 minutes.
The second set commenced with no change to the starting six, with Kiwi Chris Anderson continuing his impressive hitting through the outside. Solid work at the front by Dan Turnbull, and English Chris Anderson at the back, soon opened up a five-point lead. Coach Young introduced Thomas Morawski Andreas Wicht and Damon midway through the set to provide Phil with additional hitting options. However, some poor defensive work from Riga allowed Guildford back into the set, and at 23 - 23, Coach Young called on the legend that is John Gilling to bring his considerable years of experience to court. The great man’s presence on court was too much for the Guildford server, who meekly served into the net, and the set was eventually won 25 - 23 in 25 minutes.
The third set saw wholesale changes made, with Coach Young opting for an (Guildford!) international flavour, with a starting six from Italy, Poland, Germany, Holland, Australia and England. Steady passing from Luca helped Phil Hudson find his attackers with ease, and powerful hitting from Andreas, Thomas and Damon kept the visitors in front. The towel featured again as the opposition started tipping to avoid the blocking of John (the legend) and Martijn. Some suspected time wasting; others knew how much the stallion sweats! Coach Young called a timeout at 18 - 15 to disrupt the Guildford server (successfully), and the set was won 25 - 19 in 21 minutes.
Coach Young was pleased with the performance and supportive attitude of the
squad, and is looking forward to continuing winning ways with the games against
London Polonia and Cambridge at Coventry next weekend.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|