(25/03/2000)
They stood tall. Shoulder to shoulder. And they were counted. Despite defeat at the hands of National League Division One Champions-elect Malory, the men of Riga returned from London on Saturday having garnered a precious set from their international-packed hosts. The performance ranks as their best since recovering their top flight status three years ago.
Pre-match preparations did not augur well for Riga, as they lost captain Tom Young and Ben Bunn due to illness. However the depleted squad was in high spirits following two successive three-nil victories the previous weekend. That ebullience was amply demonstrated as Graham Duckett and Phil Wyles triggered a Riga fight back from 10 - 6 down to level the scores in the first set. However Malory always had another gear and as they eased into it so Riga's hopes went into reverse as the 25 - 17 score line confirmed.
The second set started disastrously for Riga as they went 5 - 0 behind from the off. However, they kept to their task and with Pete Abraham and John Gilling making their mark on the match, Riga again fought back. Unfortunately, Malory were in no mood to let their opponents get too close to them and maintained their initial lead to end the set 25 - 20.
Set three saw Malory take off their two most influential players - and they paid the price with a 25 - 19 loss. Riga were more focused than their opponents and took the lead from the start and never relinquished it. Dan Showler, Richard Meade and Duckett were all outstanding as Riga notched up their first set against the current Champions in five seasons. Duckett in particular was a thorn in the Malory side and it was fitting that his spike settled the set.
Malory were stung by the reverse and with Richard Dobell and Alex Bialokoz back on court set about making Riga pay for their impudence. The 25 - 15 outcome of the fourth set was clear from early on as the home side swept to an 8 - 2 lead. However, Malory did not have things all their own way with Duckett and Gilling giving as good as they were receiving and despite some strange refereeing decisions which marred an otherwise competitive set.
"A tremendous performance from the guys - made even better for the depleted team we had today," was captain Phil Wyles verdict after the match. "If we can keep playing like this, we'll not lose again this season."
Riga's next match sees them travel to Egham on Saturday in search of the double over their hosts. Egham were promoted out of Division Two last season and have done enough to secure another season at the top. They have netted a few illustrious opponents along the way and the Riga scalp is one they will be after. "We pulled off a three-two win in Warwick before Christmas and they showed then they can be a handful. We were still a bit up and down then. Now we're returning to form, so we should win but it may go all the way," recognised Wyles.