(10/02/2002)
Without setting a foot on court, Riga’s Men’s team took a big step towards their coveted second spot in National League Division One thanks to Malory’s three-nil defeat of Portsmouth on Saturday. The result also sees Malory confirmed as Champions for the sixth year in succession.
The match did not go entirely in the Champions’ favour as Portsmouth on their home territory pushed them all the way, Malory scraping home with the minimum two points advantage in each set. However the defeat gives Riga a game in hand and an almost identical sets difference to Pompey – an ideal position from which to launch their assault on second slot. "The postponement of our game against Docklands gave us the chance to sit back and let the others sweat it out for a change," claims captain Tom Young. "Malory did us a big favour with that straight sets win. If we stay unbeaten till the end of the season, that’s us second in the League – and that will be brilliant."
Riga’s next match is in a fortnight against the improving Wessex. The south coast side have hovered around the relegation zone this year despite the presence of England international Danny Weemes and memories of their Cup Final win last year at the expense of Portsmouth have all but vanished. Still it is games like this that Riga must win and win handsomely if they are to secure their best ever placing in the League.
"All our matches are Cup Finals now," says Young. "But the real big one is later in March when we play Portsmouth up here. Win that and we’re as good as home and dry."