Women's firsts return to top four
Saturday 20th November 2010
Gemma Beddows in action against Leeds.
University of Birmingham 1 (current league position: 4) played their 6th match of the season against Leeds (current league position: 8) at home on Saturday the 20th of November. University of Birmingham-1 won confidently without dropping a single set.
First set started off with several effective services and attacks from Birmingham side that enabled Birmingham to take the lead since the very beginning of the set. Leeds appeared to struggle defending and, despite the numerous attempts of the Leeds setter (Midgley, no 10) to create opportunities for her hitters, most of Leeds attacks were either inaccurate or defended by the Birmingham team. A few impressive back-court attacks from Birmingham opposite player Kaisa Kirikal took Birmingham to the end of the victorious first set 25:9.
Much to their credit, Leeds team did not give up right away and started the second set with determination and will to win. With the help of some well-thought tipping from (Speers, no 6) and last-ditch defence as well as excellent hitting from (Routledge, no 8), Leeds managed to create tension by bringing the score to as close as 14: 17. Even though Birmingham team made several service errors and appeared to have lost concentration in the front-court attack, this was not enough for Leeds to claim the set and Birmingham won again 25:19.
Despite great performance throughout the second set, the following set saw Leeds lose their confidence boost. With the help of improved service and good blocking from Birmingham middle player Gemma Beddows, Birmingham team managed to re-create the story of the first set by winning confidently 25:8. With 6 matches played and 3 wins Birmingham remain 4th in the league, whilst Leeds stay in the 8th position with 6 matches lost out of 6.
Match Facts
Competition: National League Super 8's.
Played: Home.
Result: Won 3-0.
Set Scores: 25-9, 25-19, 25-8.