Opponents: London Polonia
Competition: National League Division 1
Date: Saturday 20th October 2007
Venue: Bacon's College
Result: L 3-0 (17-25, 21-25, 23-25)
Headline: Polonia punish Docklands' lapses
Author: Andy Hopper

London Docklands Volleyball have suffered their second loss of the season against west London rivals Polonia. This is the first time in two and a half years that Docklands have lost back to back league matches and the defeat is a major set back as they try to defend their Division 1 crown. It had started well for Docklands as kills by Martin Blake and Francesco Riginelli and uncertain play by Polonia saw the home side go 8-3 up. However, a Docklands serving error stalled their run and two quick points from the impressive Jakub Jablonski reduced Docklands' lead further. Docklands would gift Polonia five more serving errors in the set and it was after the sixth error that Polonia took advantage. Jablonski had a run of four serves that took the score from 15-14 to 19-14 and effectively sealed the set for Polonia. The set was completed by an ace from Ryan Cuthbert, 25-17.

In set two Docklands again started the brighter as blocks by Riginelli and Blake helped the champions go 12-7 up. Two consecutive kills by Klaus Thummert extended Docklands' lead to six points and it all looked comfortable for the home side. Polonia responded, again through Jablonski, but Docklands stabilised their sideout game and seemed on course to tie the match as they lead the set 20-15. However, then Docklands' world collapsed. A Jablonski kill took Polonia captain Michas Saller back to serve. After previously having no success with his jump serve he switched to float serving and immediately put more pressure on Docklands' passing unit. His run of eight serves turned the set and arguably the match in Polonia's favour after a Jablonski block and kill took his side ahead 23-20. Docklands had no response and Polonia celebrated taking a 2-0 lead.

Ian Legrand introduced Boris Halatchev at the start of the third set to try and spark his side back into life. The Bulgarian only returned to the UK on Thursday but Docklands' talismanic double winning captain has lifted the squad and given Legrand another option in the middle. However, despite Halatchev getting into the game early with a powerful kill it was Polonia's blockers that set the tone as four blocks helped them take a 16-7 lead and seemingly to an easy third set win. But Halatchev had other ideas, producing three blocks during a run of Danny Primus serves to drag his team back into the set. By the time Halatchev had completed his third block Polonia still lead by three at 16-13 but the momentum was all with Docklands. Thummert and Riginelli then punished an error by Luciano Pinter and Docklands were back to within one point at 17-16. Neither side could then break the sideout sequence until Thummert capitalised on some deceptive serving by Efe Eruero to tie the set at 21-21. In previous matches this season, Docklands had mostly proved themselves to be masters of closing out tight sets. However, on this occasion it was a Docklands' hitting error that handed the advantage back to Polonia. Riginelli saved Polonia's first match point but despite defending two Jablonski spikes in the next rally, Docklands could not convert their opportunity as Jablonski shut out Nathan French to seal the set 25-23.

Afterwards, Legrand said, "That's obviously a disappointing result, particularly as we played well in parts but couldn't maintain our consistency. We need to start getting the basics right if we want to succeed in this league and that's definitely what we'll be focusing on this week before our next matches." Docklands now face a tough away weekend next week when they travel to Newcastle Staffs and Sheffield. Meanwhile, just across the river in Bethnal Green the topsy turvy season continued as bottom placed London Lynx beat previously undefeated league leaders Warwick Riga to claim their first win of the season. This result goes to prove that this season looks set to be the most open in years with all teams capable of producing extraordinary performances to upset the form book.

Polonia did not have it all their own way at Bacon's College as Swiss Cottage beat their ladies team to bounce back after two defeats in a row. Danny Primus' team belied their Division 1 inexperience to power their way to a 3-1 win.

On a more sombre note, before the match Docklands paid tribute to Tim Stocks who passed away ten days ago at the age of 33. Tim played for the first ever Docklands team when the club was formed as Crofton in 1994. He starred in the club's first ever promotion to Division 1 and went on to play for Malory. The minute long applause was a fitting tribute to Tim's enthusiasm and humour and we think he would have approved.

Black Knight: Klaus Thummert

Docklands: Riginelli 10 kills (33 attempts), Halatchev 1 (2), French 8 (16), Blake 1 (3), Thummert 8 (17), Eruero 2 (4), Primus 2 (5), Kaptein 0 (0), Blair (Libero). Sub not used: Gaitan.

Polonia: Cuthbert 2 (2), Saller M 4 (14), Pinter 4 (9), Jablonski 16 (29), Gladkov 1 (4), Selep 5 (5), Uhlig 1 (2), Piecka 4 (13), Saller A (Libero). Subs not used: Starkl Johnson, Fetters

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