Riga Womens’ 2nd team continue its 50% record

NVL Division 3C, 04 November 2007
Riga II 3 Northampton 1 (25-23, 25-19, 12-25, 26-24)
Riga II 0 Cardiff Tigers 3(22-25, 22-25, 15-25)

Report by Clare Francis

Riga Womens’ second team travelled to Cardiff this weekend to face Northampton and Cardiff Tigers.  First up were Northampton.  With  three ex-Riga players in their team Northampton are old rivals and Riga were keen to get a good start.

The first set ran neck and neck with the teams siding out for each other.  However, Riga took the edge with some good passing from Amanda and strong hitting from Jane Kinnis.  Riga started even stronger in the second set, its momentum going.  Clare Francis’ distribution allowed Ellie Beattie to hit some good angles in the middle and for Jayne Warman to constantly hit the line.  Emma Young came on to provide some good opposite cover and the team took the set 25 – 19.

Riga were determined to finish it in the third, but thought it was in the bag and Northampton fought back strong to take advantage of Riga’s disorganisation and take the set 25-12!  Between sets Riga re-grouped and the final set saw Riga take control with good cover from Penny Smith allowing  Ginnie Rennie to use all options.  The end of the set got closer and Riga had to use all of its fight and determination to come together as a team and take the set and the match 26 – 24.

Riga then faced Cardiff who Northampton had already beaten 3 set to 1.  Riga went out confident, but maybe just a little too confident as the team’s play did not flow.  Riga struggled to control the first pass and this let Cardiff into the game.  Riga fought back and despite being down a significant amount closed the gap and finished the set 25-22 down. 

Determined to do better in the second set, Riga made some changes and Maja came on through to strengthen the team’s blocking and hitting.  The team’s went point for point, but somehow Cardiff through consistent play and passing went ahead.  A cracking serve from Jane Kinnis forced Cardiff into a timeout.  But Riga could not quite pull it back and the set slipped away 25 – 22.

Riga desperately wanted to make this a five setter that they would win.  However, confusion in the passing unit, coupled with some difficult referring decisions saw the team really struggling to get hold of the game, let along take control…and Cardiff took the set and the game 25-15.

Riga’s coach, Tomasz Mowaski said all members of the team put in tremendous effort, however, today it was not meant to me.  We will train hard ready for the next fixture which is 2 December away to Bristol and Northampton.

Thanks to Chris for all the photos!! Here are a few of them...