Report by Clare Francis
Warwick drew a home game against
City of Salford in the second round of the women’s shield. The girls knew it would be a hard game
as Salford are currently doing very well in Division 2. However, it was a game that was to be a
test of Riga’s grit and determination.
During the first set Warwick were
matching Salford point for point.
However, a lapse of concentration in the middle of the set saw several
unforced errors creep into Riga’s game and allowed Salford to take a good run
of points. Riga fought hard but
were unable to pull the set back and Salford finally took the set 25 – 20.
Riga’s line up remained unchanged
for the second set. The team were
positive that it was within fighting distance of taking a set from Salford and
had a strong start to the set.
Again, the team’s traded points.
During a troubled few points, Jayne Warman pulled off a textbook style
back court spike which was shortly followed by a winning block – no-one was
more surprised than Jayne herself!
The team drew from this momentum and improved on the first set
performance. However, Riga failed
to capitalise on this performance and Salford took the set 25 – 22.
Riga refused to give up! The team went out even more
determined. Some good hitting at
four from Penny Smith and excellent play by Michele Peryer saw the girls push Salford
who at times looked panicked and troubled. The coach and baby even came down from the balcony! Riga pushed on and good middle play
from Ellie Beattie and Maja Abramek saw the girls win the set 25 – 17!
Now determined that they could have
another set and ultimately the game, the team pushed on hard in the fourth
set. However, this wasn’t to be
Riga’s day and some unforced errors combined with a few unlucky points, saw
Riga struggle to close the set.
Despite being ahead, Salford closed the gap. Riga did not give up and forced the Division 2 side to work
hard to close the set and the game 27 – 25.
Finally, a special thanks to scorer
Sarah Halling and line judges Chris Jones and Valdis Eksts for helping out on
the day!
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