Opponents: Newcastle Staffs
Competition: National League Division 1
Date: Saturday 9th November 2002
Venue: Keele University
Result: 3-0 Win (25-23, 25-22, 25-15)
Headline: The Docklands Train Steams Ahead
Author: Mike Lams

A strong performance away to a dangerous Newcastle Staffs on Saturday cemented London Docklands' position at the top of the NVL Division 1 table. Staffs were the only team, other than the eventual champions Malory, to manage two wins against Docklands last season and this experienced team arrived at their home venue full of confidence and very nearly managed to derail Docklands' perfect start to the campaign.

The first set was the tightest of the season so far neither side giving an inch. The scores rose purely on side out (each team using the receive advantage to win back the serve with every rally). At 20 points each, Docklands showed the first chink in the armour as the pressure mounted and a couple of hitting errors put them on the back foot. Docklands' coach Ian Legrand called a time out and instilled belief into his team, calling for precision above all else. Then a service error from the Staffs captain was followed by some tough serving from Albrecht Glitz for the London team. Staffs could not side out and Docklands snatched the first set 25-23.

The second set looked as if it would see Staffs back in the match. They played with enviable consistency while Docklands seemed to have relaxed too much. A four-point gap opened up for the home side, which Docklands pulled back only to lose it again. At 22-18 behind, Docklands were looking down the barrel of a gun. They needed to make a serious cluster of points from service - and Staffs had not let them win more than three points in a row all match! Realistically the set was over, but Danny Weemes had other ideas. Normally feared for his hitting prowess, Weemes showed his destructiveness from the service line. Unleashing serve after serve into the gap between the receivers, Staffs could not control the pass in to the setter and so had no attacking options. A combination of aces, blocks and an overpass blasted back with interest by middle hitter Martin Blake (back from injury after seven months out) secured seven unanswered points and the set victory 25-22.

After this remarkable period in the match, the third set was a brief affair. Staffs were clearly demoralised by the second set turnaround and Docklands in no mood to show mercy. It was Docklands' turn to play without errors while Staffs concentration failed them as they tried in vain to find a way back into the match. The outcome was never in any doubt and Docklands wrapped it all up 25-15.

Now Docklands face the sternest test - the test they have been waiting for all season. They face London Malory, the team which has dominated English volleyball for over a decade and who are yet to lose a set this season. Are Docklands finally ready to challenge the established order? We will find out at the show down on Saturday 23rd November.

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