Seven straight sets victories have put Riga firmly in contention for promotion. A game behind everyone else (Devon still to be rearranged), the girls are nestling next to Cleobury and Tameside, the latter being the only other team to have lost only once this season.

Riga had found the away match to Cambridge at the start of the season a tricky encounter but managed to scramble a 3-2 win. However, the expectations of a tough return match were soon dispelled, as it became clear early on, that Cambridge, having lost 4 of their best players, were significantly weaker.

Yaprak & Marinella : poweful hitting

The first set was over in less than 20 minutes. Cambridge were totally out classed by the superior, well drilled play of the Riga contingent. The opposition had no chance of picking up the powerful hitting of Yaprak and Marinella, and Dawn and Sally had the defence scambling with some intelligent plays.

At no point were Riga challenged, allowing Tom to mix things about, playing Sally through the middle, hitting well off old Loughborough setting partner, Lisa, and Michele did a great job through 2 in place of a temporarily injured Gulshan.

Following successful rehabilitation from knee surgery in November, Liz Young made a welcome return in the third set and slotted right back in. Her job was made easier thanks to superb passing from libero, Jules, allowing her to distribute the ball effectively. Riga clinically dispensed of Cambridge 25-10, the match time just 1 hour 10 minutes.

Riga have benefitted from recent matches against Loughborough 1 (a friendly game, Lost 2-1) and Malory in the cup (Lost 3-0). Playing at that higher level and at a faster pace has helped to fine tune many aspects of Riga's game. Coach, Tom Young, is delighted with the team's progress but is still cautious. "We have to take it game by game. Obviously the big one is the Tameside and Salford double header at the end of February but I am quietly confident and certainly the girls' confidence is very high as is their determination to win the league. We are definately now playing at a different level to the rest of the division and we need to maintain this."

The team is at home to Salford on Saturday 21st February and Tameside on Sunday 22nd. The Sunday game is essentially the league decider so WE NEED SUPPORT!