Match Report

Oxford MNVL vs RAF Harriers

Date:
04 Dec 2012
Location:
RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire
Result:
3-1 (26-24, 22-25, 25-19, 25-18)
MVP:
Martijn Stroo
Players:
Jamie Wall, Gabriele Devita, Martijn Stroo (outsides), Marcin Samoluk (opposite), Scott Hale, Paul Swift (middles), Michael D'Angeli (setter), Jon Williams (libero)

Comments

"

Our past record against the RAF is good since we beat them twice last season in tough five-setters. We also benefitted by the absence of 'Leachy', a solid outside player for the RAF (and captain? I'm not sure). Finally, the RAF had only won one match in their previous 5, which boded well.

In the first set, we started off fairly slow, still demoralised from the previous match. Our serve receive sharpened up a good deal, and as a result the rest of our game improved. With RAF lacking firepower on the outsides, and seldom setting their middles, we clinched a tight victory. The second set was similar, but somehow we lacked concentration and lost it 25-22. The next two sets looked a lot more comfortable, keeping RAF to below 20 in each. Both teams were looking tired, and frustration bubbled, leading to a tetchy atmosphere. We kept our heads, however, and closed out the match in a workmanlike fashion. Although Martijn was awarded MVP, a personal mention has to go to Jackie, for supplying us with a packet of much-needed Haribo's.

The team has demonstrated the ability to win, if not ugly, then at least workmanlike. Beating teams that we should beat is a crucial ability, and should get us to mid-table (after this weekend we're in third). The trick now is to start winning beautiful, and challenge for the top. Next week's opponents, Team Northumbria, have a very similar set of results to ours. If we can raise our game against them, it will set us up nicely heading into the Christmas break.

"

Report by Paul Swift

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