Report written by Malory

Although Malory have generally beaten Riga, the midlanders always present Jefferson Williams' team a unique challenge. With the Eagles only just in place for a play-off spot, Williams was acutely aware of this match's importance. As things turned out, it was an excellent result for Malory Eagles, who dominated the first two sets.

In set one, Malory grabbed the initiative going into its first technical time-out at 8-3 and continuing to the second with an impressive 16-7 lead. The first set was dominated by Malory wing attacks, with repeated kills from Luciano Pinter, Darius Setsoafia and Tom Lord, who ripped through Riga’s defence. Middle attacker Mark Brown also helped his team load up on points with an impressive serving flourish. The set ended comfortably for Eagles with a 25-17 win.

The second set was much the same as set one, Malory dominating from the start. The Eagles ran a well structured offence; setter Danieli Di Bella distributing evenly to his players as well as making a few “stuff” blocks himself. Malory closed out the set, 25-15.

A Brown quick attack opened set three in dramatic style with Malory again taking a comfortable lead. Veteran Riga
outside attacker Kees de Hoogh emerged from the first technical time-out “all guns blazing”, helping his team to recover its point deficit. Inspired, Riga took a momentary lead and stayed in contention in spite of increased pressure from the Malory wing attackers. 18 year old Chris Frost played a fine role as Malory libero, absorbing many of Riga's hard attacks. Altogether an exciting third set, which Malory claimed 26-24.

Coach Williams was characteristically prosaic, “It was a good, stable performance, surprising given our poor preparation coming into the match. We need to build on this result as the next two matches against Leeds and Polonia are crucial for a top four place in the league.”

Super 8 saw an interesting weekend with leaders Sheffield suffering a shock defeat to London Docklands and London Polonia losing to Team Northumbria. Malory move to third, one point ahead of their fierce local rivals Polonia. It will be an epic battle when the two teams meet on 29th January.

Reporter: Lauren Williams