Opponents: Warwick Riga
Competition: National League Division 1
Date: Saturday 27th October 2001
Venue: St Nicholas Park, Warwick
Result: 3-1 Loss (25-23, 17-25, 15-25, 23-25)
Headline: Docklands slip up again
Author: Mike Lams

Docklands faced a tricky game away to Warwick Riga this weekend. Riga, who were keen to avenge last year's Cup loss to Docklands, have made an excellent start to the league season, and could be the surprise package of the year. A high level of consistency in their play has earned them third place so far in the campaign, underlining the fact that having a star individual player is not as important as a determined, team-orientated group of players.

Docklands coach Ian Legrand made two changes to the starting line up that lost to Stoke and Malory last weekend. Oleg Rak stood in for captain Danny Primus and Ned Groy took the power hitter position from Alexis Blair.

In the first set the changes seemed to pay off. Although the set was tight all the way, Docklands eked out an advantage in the early points and held their nerve all the way through to the end. Disciplined and controlled play meant that, despite few errors from Riga, Docklands were able to stamp their authority on home side and won the set 25-23. As last weekend, Dutch player Ricardo van Engeland made an impression with strong hits and some crucial blocks, but Rak and Groy also made their mark to justify coach Legrand's rotation policy.

However, Docklands were determined to make life difficult for themselves. Abandoning the consistency of the first set, they gave up early leads in both the second and third. Even the introduction of the experienced Blair and Jesse Kaptein failed to stem the flow of points. Riga sensed the hesitation of the London side and capitalised to the full - upping the pace of their game, but more crucially, playing their brand of controlled rather than spectacular volleyball. Docklands gave up several hitting errors as they chased the game and in just half an hour Docklands were 2-1 down, having lost the sets to 17 and 15.

In the fourth set Docklands regained more of a grip on themselves but ultimately could not wrestle the game from Riga. While not giving up points as freely, Docklands attacks were lacking in variety and Riga spotted their opportunity, ganging up on Docklands' main hitters and keeping them quiet. Riga's spirit was up and they defended all that Docklands could throw at them, building and maintaining a slender lead, to keep themselves in the driving seat all the way. In the end all they had to do was maintain a two point lead - and that they did, their error free play giving them the set 25-23 and the match.

Now Docklands are firmly rooted in the bottom half of the table. Their next two matches against the two teams below them have acquired massive importance. Leeds are the next opponents, but the next home match is against Wessex at 2pm on November 10 at Bacon's College.

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