Match Report

Oxford MNVL vs Boathouse Dewbury

Date:
04 Dec 2010
Location:
RAF Cranwell
Result:
0-3 (14-25, 13-25, 22-25)
MVP:
Gabriele Devita
Players:
Jamie Wall, Martijn Stroo (outsides), Gabriele Devita (libero), Marcin Samoluk (opposite), Scott Hale, Paul Swift (middles), Michael D'Angeli, Jon Williams (setters)

Comments

"

Heading up to frozen North once more (well, more like frozen East, but it doesn't scan as well) we entrusted ourselves to Jon, driving a capacious 9-seater. We arrived in plenty of time for a healthy mid-morning snack courtesy of Mackie D's, then headed in to RAF Cranwell. The venue is impressive, a huge metal hangar, complete with bleachers and various bits of gym equipment. We were in time to see the first leg of the triangular, with the RAF demolishing Boathouse Dewbury 3 sets to 0.

Undaunted, for the moment, we entered into our own fray with Boathouse. Unfortunately some serious dauntage was in store. Our serve receive broke down early on, reducing Mike's options as setter. Following this, our hitters started making silly mistakes, mistakes they hadn't been making all season. What made it all the more frustrating was that Dewbury really weren't that amazing. They had one good hitter who could hit down the line, which caused us no end of problems. Other than that, they had good defence and a decent serve, and that was about it.

On the day, that was enough. We failed to break out of our rut, and went down two sets in quick succession. Bringing on Jon in the second set, a pillar of calm, helped somewhat but not enough. The third set saw a late rally, but it was too little too late. Lots to learn from this one!

"

Report by Paul

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