Riga Men hit the 2002 road running with victory at Salford on Saturday in National League Division One and then a semi-final clinching win over London Docklands on Sunday in Coventry. Although the road had its potholes, the team’s form was impressive and clearly stated intention and direction. The Cup success sets up a match against local rivals Stoke who interestingly are Riga’s opponents next Saturday at the St. Nicholas Park Leisure Centre, Warwick (6pm).

Following a somewhat disappointing end to 2001, it was not the best news to hear that your inspirational captain has sustained a ligament injury whilst on holiday in Canada, but such was Tom Young’s and Riga’s fate. His absence allowed Colin Paterson to make a first six start, and the impressive form of Mark Bottomley at the end of the year demanded his inclusion in the opening line-up against Salford. Both players made valuable early contributions despite Riga being a couple of points adrift of the hosts in the early stages of first set. However, once Riga did achieve the lead, courtesy of John Gilling and Kees de Hoogh, Salford looked rocky. As errors crept into the home play, the set was decided 25 – 23 in Riga’s favour.

Set two soon had all the appearance of a Riga cakewalk. Six-two up in short order as again Salford let themselves down, the Riga lead grew in leaps and bounds with Gilling, de Hoogh and Tom Spijkers dominant. At 18 – 10, the set should have been over, but inspired serving from Paul Fagan and a sudden evaporation of Riga form, contrived to allow Salford back in. As Riga’s focus became blurred, the home side swept home 25 – 20.

Choice words before the third set had the desired effect and although Salford competed early on, Spijkers and de Hoogh made sure Riga were always ahead. When Patterson and Bottomley joined them as thorns in the Salford side, closure quickly ensued, 25 – 18.