(09/12/2001)
Warwick Riga 3 Wessex 0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-19)
| Riga completed 2001 on the right note – a three-nil disposal of reigning K.O. Cup holder Wessex. The match at the Parklands Leisure Centre, Leicester, restored some much needed pride in the side ahead of the Christmas break. "All the lads were smiling after the game," noted skipper Tom Young. "The difference was huge. The confidence is back and I’m sure 2002 will be our best year yet." | ||
 Richie finally finds the right shirt to wear |
The start of the match had to be put back owing to Wessex’s late arrival caused by a puncture as the team were leaving Poole. However tyres were soon not to be the only thing deflated about Wessex. Seven points on the bounce at the start of the first set had the Riga tails up and Wessex’s between their legs. Penetrating serving from Kees de Hoogh had the visitors on the back foot, whilst Colin Paterson made merry at the net. When de Hoogh, now front court, took Riga 15 – 7 up, Wessex’s interest in the first set was waning. As Paterson and David Nason claimed more points, all Wessex could muster was the occasional riposte from a subdued Danny Weemes. The 25 – 16 conclusion was emphatic in Riga’s favour. | |
| With Wessex offering little resistance, Riga rang the changes. Graham Duckett replaced Tom Spijkers for the second set and Mark Bottomley, one of the few success stories of Riga’s defeat against Champions Malory, came on for David Nason. The changed formation took time to settle and Wessex took advantage and the lead. This they held until mid-way through the set when Duckett and Bottomley conspired to put Riga ahead. From then on the home side maintained their advantage as Paterson and John Gilling helped make Wessex pay the price at 25 – 20. |  An unusual sight - captain Young on the bench |
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 Coach Boughton rings the changes |
Set three saw more changes as the depth of
the Riga squad was displayed to its full extent. Richard Meade now replaced Gilling and
Paterson gave way to Dan Showler. This time the transition was seamless. An opening 4
– 0 lead grew by leaps and bounds. De Hoogh was again prominent in the Riga points
scoring and setter Phil Wyles showed his attacking abilities by cleverly hitting off the
Wessex block. As Wessex mistakes compounded their misery, Riga celebrated victory over the
Cup holders with a 25 – 16 closeout. "From the off, there was only one team in this match," said Young afterwards. "We showed the old spirit and fire. It was a great way to end 2001. |
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