Men's NVL Firsts Vs. Warwick Riga II
Sunday 21st January 2007
Warwick are the only side all season to beat UoB. After watching them demolish Boathouse, we knew that we would be faced again with a tough test. UoB started with the same six that finished against Boathouse: Grant, Ronald, Fred, Wiktor, Thegan, and Pete.
Warwick, fired up from their win over Boathouse, started the set strong and built up a small lead of 7-3. The coach made a change of Grant for Sascha; however this had little effect to the game as Warwick continued their strength. Graham changed the line up again, with Grant changing back with Sacha at 11-7. UoB began to battle back, however the poor passing and setting made it close to impossible for UoB to make any attack. At 13-20 down, Varinder was brought on for Pete. UoB somehow battled on and built up a few points, but it was all too late for UoB, losing the first set 18-25.
UoB began the set as they finished. The second set was a lot closer, however a surge of points from Warwick looked like it would take the set away from UoB. UoB upped their game and battled through the tiredness to bring the set back to 24-24. From here, the set could have gone either way. Both teams were playing well, but Warwick eventually took the second set 27-29.
UoB's morale and energy was being sapped away very fast. After a long team talk, UoB started the third set with the same six. UoB started well, taking the set to Warwick and building a lead of 6 points. The set looked like it was going to UoB from the beginning, but with UoB getting more and more tired, Warwick began coming back at UoB. At 24-22, Warwick took the ball for serve; four points later, the set and the match was Warwick’s. UoB's starting six were exhausted and gutted.
After starting the day at the top of the table, the league has now been blown wide open.
Match Facts
Competition: EVA National League Division IIIN.
Played: Home.
Result: Lost 3-0.
Set Scores: 18-25, 27-29, 24-26.