Men's NVL Firsts Vs. Boathouse Dewsbury
Sunday 21st January 2007
Birmingham knew that they were missing one of their first choice middle players this weekend with Bertrand Olie tied up with his coaching responsibilities. All week, UoB had been looking at who else can fill that role. Options were aplenty, with a big squad, however moving a first choice player from one position to another would cause UoB to lose valuable attacking options. The solution came in new signing Wiktor Wotodzko. Wiktor trained twice last week after arriving from a second division outfit in Poland. The starting line up against Boathouse was as follows: Grant Huddleston, Sascha Singer, Fred Olivo, Wiktor Wotodzko, Varinder Mattri, and Thegan Moodley.
The first set was a tight affair with the game going back and forth, point by point until the breakthrough came at 15-15. Fred Olivo served up a four point lead, and that four point lead stayed for a first set win.
The second set started badly for UoB. Poor passing and poor setting was a real blow to UoB’s attack and both outside hitters, Sascha and Grant were finding it tough to make any real attacks. Coach, Graham Fowler, made changes, bringing Ronald on for Sascha, and UoB continued to battle, but it was all too late; Boathouse took the second set.
The third set started the same as it ended with Ronald replacing Sascha. As before, the third set started badly again, with UoB not going out strong. At 11-6 down, Grant Huddleston served up five points to bring the game back to evens, however with his next serve sailing out of court, the lead was back with Boathouse. UoB returned with a good attack, and the game was back at 12-12. Pete Melia, on for Varinder, served up a few points and UoB actually went ahead for the first time in the third set. The set went back and forth, but UoB's battling and good defence took the set.
As always, UoB started the fourth set slow, with Boathouse bringing the game to UoB and taking a small lead. UoB however weren't in the mood for a fifth set and they battled back later in the set to come from 7 points down to 19-19. Good all round teamwork and hard work eventually won the set and the match for UoB. It was a tough affair, but UoBs inconsistency was their biggest enemy.
Match Facts
Competition: EVA National League Division IIIN.
Played: Home.
Result: Walkover 3-1.
Set Scores: 25-20, 21-25, 25-21, 25-21.