Opponents: Milton Keynes
Date: Saturday 10th February
Venue: Milton Keynes
Result: 3-1 Win
Headline: Docklands maintain Unbeaten Run
Author: Andy Vincett

London Docklands Volleyball Club prepared for Saturday's Quarter-final cup clash with First Division Stoke in fine style last weekend by scoring their 13th straight league victory away to Milton Keynes.

The visit to Milton Keynes in the Division 2 of Volleyball's National League was never going to be straight forward after the clash earlier in the season had ended with the Milton Keynes captain being held back from the referee after becoming aggrieved at some of his decisions. But, initially Docklands tempered the home attack admirably to cruise the first set 25-17.

But, as is so easy in Milton Keynes, the visitors lost their way and an absolute absence of errors from the home side's game meant that Dockland's mistakes were crucial and when the gap increased to 20-14 it was too big to close. 1-1.

If Docklands had been pegged back in the second set then, when their ever-present setter, Andy Vincett, already struggling with illness, was side-lined by a twisted ankle, they looked in danger of being over-awed.

But this team has more than six or seven quality players; it's got a bench full and, in turning to regular hitter Danny Primus for cover, the team's strength in depth shone. Indeed, it was Primus who orchestrated Dockland's fight-back from 16-12 down to lead 2-1, 25-21.

And Dockland's character took them through a tight forth set too. When constant disputing of decisions by Milton Keynes threatened to become a factor Dockland's shut it out and with middle player Martin Blake on top of his game, marched on at the top of the league and into their preparations for this week's big cup-tie.

Dockland's last loss was eleven months ago and, at the time, sent them down from Division 1 last season. The victors that day were their opponents on Saturday, Stoke, and Docklands are out with a definite score to settle.

Next Home Game: 2.00pm, Sat 17th Vs Stoke (Cup) @ Bacons College, Rotherhithe.