NVL Division Three Central |
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Report written by Netty Purkiss (Captain) |
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Despite the wet weather this weekend was a good weekend for Coventry and Warwick Riga Women’s Division three team, who due to the commitment of its players (two returning early from weekends away …thanks Clare and Clare!) bagged two well awaited victories. The first match against Tonbridge saw Riga come out in a positive manner fighting to win the first set 26:24 after being 22:24 down. On a high, Riga dominated the second set with some good all round team play. Unfortunately a case of over confidence lulled the team into a false sense of security and Riga found themselves 0:6 down within minutes of the third set starting. After a time out, and with some improved first passes, Riga gradually pulled points back with some good setting from Virginia Rennie. Despite this improvement Riga were now facing a more confident Tonbridge side who took advantage of the inconsistent Riga serve and thus gained the advantage to finish the set with a ten point lead 15:25. The forth and final set was close in score from beginning to end, with both Riga and Tonbridge hitting more aggressively. However Riga’s back court play was the stronger of the teams with some consistent play by Jayne Warman. This consistency in defence was rewarded when Tonbridge voted Jayne the most valuable player of the match. Well done Jayne! After a short break Riga were back on court playing Leicester and buoyed up by their first win Riga played confidently against an eager home side to take the first set 25:22. Leicester responded equally confidently with some strong serving early on in the second set which put Riga under pressure and gave Leicester a healthy lead, a lead which they maintained even though Riga fought back hard to bridge the points gap with some good hitting from valuable new acquisition Clare Walsh. The set finished 24:26. However, an undaunted Riga team were now communicating well so set three witnessed some good three touch volleyball with a sound service receive leading to some effective attacks. Riga won this set comfortably 25:15. Riga started the forth set confidently taking a reassuring lead, nevertheless once Riga reached nine points Leicester made an impressive comeback forcing Riga to call a time out at 9:8. Following a call for focus and commitment from all players Janine Calder responded with a one woman showtime of outstanding serving and back court defence. She became ‘the player with the golden touch’ taking Riga from 10:8 to 21:8 in one serve rotation. Once the final set closed at 25:14 and the match won, Janine was rightly crowned most valuable player by a stunned Leicester side. Congratulations to all of the squad who proved that with true team play and individual confidence victories await! |
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