Weakened Malory still prove too strong for Men’s 1

NVL Division 1, 22 October 2006
Alan Higgs Centre, Coventry

 

Warwick Riga - London Malory

1-3 (15-25 25-18 22-25 14-25)

Warwick Riga was unable to take advantage of a weakened London Malory last Sunday in the Alan Higgs centre. London Malory without 3 of their usual starting 6, but with a talented England junior, travelled to Coventry to face a full strength Riga. The first set started well for Malory with some good attacking and defensive play. Warwick Riga was unable to claw its way back into contention and lost 15-25.

However, Warwick Riga seemed to wake up in the second set. The middle attack started to get going, making it easier for the outside to score past an always difficult Malory block. Riga managed to stay ahead and finished the set winning; 25-18. The third set started in a similar fashion. After a hard fought set Malory was able to turn it into their advantage with some good play, winning 22-25. Suddenly Riga seemed to loose the belief of being able to win this match and Malory was gifted the fourth set (14-25).

Having played many great encounters between these two clubs, it was bitterly disappointing how Riga missed what was a good opportunity to finish this match on the winning side. Hopefully the 40 or so spectators will not be too disheartened by this display and will turn up again for the next home match.  The team's next home game is at the Alan Higgs Centre in Coventry on Saturday 18 November at 6pm against London Polonia.