With two games in one weekend Riga wanted to make quick work of travelling Dulwich and be clinical in their finishing.

After a good warm up Riga started off slowly but with some good deep serving from Lisa Purcell and Celine Haederli causing problems for Dulwich, Riga pulled away to a 7-3 lead. With the world’s longest rally Riga come out on top and pull their lead out to 10-4. Good strong hitting from Michaela Maixnerova and some intelligent tipping help Riga gain momentum. This followed by some solid defence from Julie Bromell and consistent setting culminating in a quick to Anna Wojdala in the middle help Riga clinch the set 25-16.

Dulwich came out in the second with some strong serving and Riga looked a different team unable to control the ball, going down 0-6. Fortunately Riga managed to regain their control and started to claw back the points with some varied setting and good finishing from all hitters. This accompanied with some good defence from Lisa Purcell and wipe offs from Michaela Maixnerova helped to force Dulwich to call a time out at 8-11. Good serving followed from Michele Peryer and some great back court hitting from Celine Haederli and all round play from Riga helped Riga take the lead and force Dulwich to take their second time out at 18-15. Julie Bromell defended well and passed the free balls in enabling the middle to win points and hold the Dulwich block. Ellie Beattie took the set 25-20 with some strong serving to finish.

The beginning of the 3rd started out scrappy but some strong serving from Anna Wojdala, good setting from Lisa Purcell and hitting in the middle by Ellie Beattie helped Riga stay in it. Dulwich began to tip but this was soon realised by Riga and Michele Peryer and Julie Bromell combined well in defence. A great block from Michele Peryer and some forceful hitting from Michaela Maixnerova helped Riga pull away slightly and Dulwich took their first time out at 12-9, 2 jump serves from Celine Haederli forced Dulwich’s second time out of the set. Consistent setting out to 4 and great cover from Julie Bromell increased Riga’s lead to 17/13. More deep serves from Riga put the Dulwich pass under pressure and helped Riga put the points on to finish the set 25-13.

One down, one to go was the message after the game. Riga faced Wessex on the Sunday, unsure as to how strong they would be.