Dartford prove too much in the Cup for Women’s 2nd team

NVL Cup Game, 15 October 2006
Warwick Riga II 2 Dartford 3  (25-14 11-25 19-25 25-14 11-15)

Report by Michele Peryer

After 25 minutes of looking for a coffee shop, we gave up and arrived at Accacia Hall, Dartford with 20 minutes to gather ourselves ready for the match.

Riga had a good warm up and started with first six, Jayne Warman, Michele Peryer and Maja Abramek on front court. Clare Francis served first and won a crucial first point. The next few points were one for one, until the forth rotation. Penny Smith served strong and won several points which continued through to Ellie Beattie and Clare Francis's serve, until we were 18:7.  Coach, Andy Collins, made a substitution and bought Annabel Cheatham on for Jayne Warman. Dartford won a short set of points with clever serving, but it was not enough, Riga won the set by 25:14.

Riga lost all confidence in the second set, allowing Dartford to take control. At 12:2 Riga tried to find form. Jayne Warman then replaced Annabel Cheatham through four at 18:7 but this change was too late. Riga lost 25:11

It took all of the third set for Riga to find form, but lost 25:19. Form was held, with confidence and won the forth set 25:14.

The fifth set was nail biting and frustrating for all, there were good hits and blocks but the lack of anticipation and movement was left wanting. Dartford's strong serving allowed them to take the fifth set and match 15:11.