Report written by Dan Turnbull

Riga travelled to Sheffield on Saturday to take on last seasons Cup winners Sheffield 1.  Riga had effectively ended Sheffield’s league title hopes last season with 3-2 home win at the tail end of the 2007/08 season so were well aware that Sheffield would be looking for revenge.

The first set started evenly with both sides trading points up to 12 all.  A run of serves from Dan Turnbull gave Riga a 17-12 advantage, during which Sheffield we forced to use both time-outs.  Riga further extended their lead to 20-13 thanks in part to a quick attack from Cedric Dieudji that was so outstanding even the Sheffield supporters were forced to applaud.  Riga ultimately took the first set 25-20.

Another Turnbull service run gave Riga the initial break at the start of set 2 taking Riga from 5-6 down to 9-6 up.  Sheffield responded with service pressure of there own tying the scores at 10 all.  A tight period of play followed which saw the scores tied at 11s, 14s and 15s.  Sheffield then found another gear thanks largely to captain and Riga’s MVP nomination Andy Sinclair who was able to serve out the set, 25-17 Sheffield.

Riga responded well at the start of set 3, restricting Sheffield to side out points, and were able to gain an early advantage.  Sheffield took a time-out 5-9 down.  Riga extended their lead to 12-6 before Sheffield began their fight back with service pressure of their own.  With the scores suddenly tied at 14 and then again at 17 all the momentum was now with Sheffield and Riga were being restricted to side out points.  Sheffield took the set 25-21.

Sheffield were able to carry their momentum into what was ultimately the final set.  Taking an early 4 point lead, Riga were always playing catch-up and despite almost bringing the scores level at 11-10, were never actually able to get back on even terms.  Sheffield went on to take the set 25-17 and with it the match, remaining undefeated this season.

November is a quiet month for Riga, with their next match not until Saturday 15th November when they play HLB Jackson Fox Jersey in the Men’s KO Cup at Alan Higgs, Coventry (14:00 warm-up/ 14:30 start).  Their next league game sees the men travel to defending champions London Malory on Saturday 29th November.

MVP was awarded to Leo Trench

Riga Squad: Chris A, Kees, John, Dan, Phil W, Piotr, Leo, Cedric, Tom Y (snr)

Coach: Tom Young