Docklands gift victory to Riga after tight five-set defeat

NATIONAL LEAGUE ONE

Coventry & Warwick Riga 3 Docklands 2

Docklands threw away their chances of victory after they were involved in their second five-set match in two weeks.

They had looked on course for success when leading 17-13 in the first set, as Wayne Davis, Riccardo Senatore, Boris Halatachev and Martin Blake all impressed.

However, Riga went on a marvellous run to lead 22-20 and eventually pip Docklands 25-23.

With Raf D�rr on for captain Alexis Blair, Docklands started the second set in a hurry and took a 4-0 lead.

Solid blocking by Blake and Alex Chevau extended the advantage to 12-6, as they strolled to a 25-16 victory.

Everything looked good for Docklands in set three as they took an 18-13 lead and seemed destined to move 2-1 ahead.

But a combination of some valiant Riga play and a drop in concentration from Docklands let the home side back into the set, as they picked up a 25-22 win against the odds.

After winning their first five set league match for a year last week, Docklands had the confidence they could do it again.

They set about taking the fourth set with some passionate but controlled play.

Blocking pressure was applied from the start as D�rr and Halatchev took them 14-10 up.

Despite a late rally by Riga, Docklands held on to take the set 25-22 with a deft tip by Senatore.

In the lottery of a fifth set, Riga were gifted a 7-3 lead with some poor Docklands play.

The hosts then suffered a lapse in concentration as the score was locked at 9-9.

A Docklands serving error gave Riga a slender two-point advantage, which would prove decisive as they took the set 15-12, and ultimately, the match.

Docklands are at home to league leaders Sheffield this weekend.

Docklands: D�rr, Davies, Halatchev, Senatore, Chevau, Blake, Sliti, Blair, Cottignoli.