NL Division 3E, 15th October 2001
Warwick Riga 2 3 Norwich 1 (25-11 22-25 26-24 25-22)
Warwick Riga 2 1 Chiltern 3 (16-25 19-25 25-16 25-19)
Riga ladies second team welcomed Norwich and Chiltern for their first home games of the season and the first match against Norwich saw the home team race into an early lead by playing some excellent volleyball. The team made full use of all attacking options and took the first set by an impressive 25-11 margin. Norwich shook off the effects of their long 3 hour journey and rallied in the second set and it was a much closer affair. Also, Riga eased off and our attacking play wasn't as clinical as the first set and Norwich took the set 22-25.
The third set was just as close - Riga were helped considerably by Irene Scorza's debut - an impressive 7 straight wining serves and strong performance through our middle players, Ruth and Steph. Some tough talking at the time outs saw a harder edge to the Riga game and we took the set 26 -24.
The fourth set was also close ( again !!!) and it took strong contributions from the entire Riga squad to ensure Riga clinched the set 25-22 and the match 3 sets to 1. This was the teams' first victory of the season and was well deserved. Coach Sarah Halling said " the level of volleyball we reached in the first set was superb and we must aim to achieve that level more often. It was also really good to win a match 3 -1 , showing our more determined approach. Last season, every win came via a 3-2 win so not having to go to a fifth set was great. "
Riga's second game was against Chiltern and Riga struggled to hit the level of the first game. The first 2 sets were lost 25 -16 and 25 - 19. However, the third set saw a stronger performance with captain Tina Perkins organising the team well and leading the way with a series of great pick ups. This determined attitude spread to the rest of the team and Sylvie Darrieumerlou won 7 points with aggressive serving. This burst saw the team race to win the 3rd set 25-16.
The fourth set saw a capture of unfortunate incidents - firstly , there was a long break when the first ref felt unwell and had to be replaced. secondly, injury took it's toll on Sarah Halling who had to go off and finally , a nasty ankle injury to Steph when the teams were level at 9-9. Riga had to finish the match with just 6 fit players and couldn't recapture the momentum after the 2 long stoppages. Chiltern won the 4th set , 25-19 and the match 3-1.
So, one win and one defeat but we wait to hear the extent of the injury to Steph. Thanks to Jane, Zano, Patrick, Martin, Rob and Ludo for scoring, reffing and line judging and our next game is at home on November 17th ( a double header against Brentwood and Guildford - 11.00 am start at St Nicholas Park )