NL Division 3C, 24th September 2006
Northampton 1 Warwick Riga II 3 (25-19 16-25 16-25 24-26 )
Warwick Riga II 1 NW Leicestershire Comets 3 (18-25 21-25
25-23 15-25)
Report by Virginia Rennie
On Sunday 24 September Warwick Riga2 began their National Volleyball League Women’s Division Three campaign with matches against Northampton and NW Leicestershire Comets.
With a small squad including new and returning players, a new coach and a new formation it was with determination but some apprehension that we approached the matches.
The lack of familiarity amongst the team was apparent, with a nervous start. However, once the initial confusion and nerves were overcome the team settled into a rhythm and gradually pulled back an early deficit to only lose the first set 19-25.
The confidence boost was clear as the next two sets were won relatively comfortably 25-16, 25-16. Whether the reason was complacency or early season fitness levels, the fourth set was a much more even affair. Unforced errors that that been cut out of the teams play in the second and third sets returned. With three ex-players on the opposition team it was always going to be a test of mental strength to get over the winning line. In the end Warwick won a close set 26-24.
A 3 sets to 1 victory against a team we lost to both home and away last season was an excellent start. Special mentions should go to Ellie Beattie playing her first match for the team and Lynette Purkiss returning with her usual backcourt dominance after a season missed whilst having her daughter Lorna, at six months our newest and youngest travelling supporter.
With only a twenty-minute break the second match was always going to be physically difficult. But having beaten NW Leicestershire in a pre-season friendly Warwick started the match with confidence. However, it was soon apparent that NW Leicestershire had a significantly strengthened team from the pre-season game.
Tiredness and a lack of concentration meant the first set drifted away with NW Leicestershire running out 25-18 winners. Determined to fight back Warwick came into back into the match, narrowly losing the second set 25-21. The improvement continued into the third set. Strong performances from all team members and a step-up in aggression levels resulted in a narrow 25-23 victory. But the team were unable to sustain the effort and fell away somewhat to lose the fourth set 25-15.
Overall a good start to the season. With more players available for future games and better match-fitness everyone felt there was more improvement to come and the team would be able to sustain any pressure through to the end of the second match. Coach Andy Collins was pleased with the start to the season, although he did identify a few areas to work on in training! With only a week until the next match and a number of aching and tired players, lifting everyone to higher levels of effort and concentration will be his first big challenge.
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