Women find their way in Wales

NVL Division Three (C), 27th November 2005
Warwick Riga II 3 Cardiff Ladies 1 (19-25 25-19 25-13 25-21)
Warwick Riga II 1 Birmingham University 3 (14-25 25-22 19-25 22-25)

Warwick Ladies II travelled to Cardiff this weekend for a double header game against Cardiff Ladies and Birmingham VC. The team was keen to get a good result against Cardiff, previously unbeaten in the league. Warwick began the match with their usual confidence but Cardiff played strong using home court advantage. Warwick dug deep finding their form with devastating effect. The two middle players, Jeanine and Maja began to connect with the sets and create every available space. The team powered on in the third set with a strong run of serving from Clare Francis and excellent passing from libero player Amanda. The final set displayed Warwick's team spirit and the girl's took the match 3 – 1.

Another win under their belt the team were keen to get a win against Birmingham and do the double. The first set combined some strong line hitting from Jayne with some excellent back court defence from Penny. However, Birmingham took hold of the game and took Warwick right at the post. In the second set Warwick changed to a one setter system and Michele came on to strengthen the block. This tactic made a nail biting set, and Warwick closed it out 25 - 22. However, despite a good performance from Warwick and a strong fight back in the final set, Birmingham's game proved too strong and they took the final set 25 – 22 and the game 3 – 1.

Coach John Boughton said: "We played some of our best volleyball of the season today and that was really pleasing. We ought to have won both matches though. After the first set, Cardiff never got a look in. Against Birmingham we lost concentration after the tiring match against Cardiff but I'm sure we can rectify that before we play them again in January."

Clare Francis