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Opponents: Salford I
Date: Saturday 6th October 2001
Result: 3-2 Loss
Venue: Eccles Sports Centre, Manchester
Headline: Rude awakening for Docklands
Author: Mike Lams
Docklands
suffered only their second defeat of 2001 this weekend,
and learnt the painful lesson that nothing less than
clinical displays will be required now that they are
back in the top flight of English volleyball. Whereas
last season in Division 2 lacklustre performances
were not punished, any lapses this season will be
paid for dearly.
After a Boltonesque start to the season, beating
former champions Aquila 3-1 in their first match,
Docklands' hopes and confidence were riding high.
Too high as it turned out! Their opponents Salford,
not one of the fancied teams to do well this year
(despite the arrival of a former Slovakian international
into their ranks), were eager to get their first win
of the season under their belts.
It
started promisingly enough! Untroubled by an early
start to reach Manchester by 11am, the London team
surprised Salford by snatching the first set by an
incredible margin: 25-14. Strong hitting from Blair
and Primus, and blocking from Blake
and Vincett kept Salford totally out of the
game. A wake up call for the home side indeed.
Salford stirred in the second set, and things started
to become competitive. The Salford players began to
find their range, especially the former Slovak international
Radanowicz. But still Docklands seemed in charge,
playing well enough not to let the Mancunians get
ahead at any stage, before a confident push at the
business end of the set gave the visitors a 2-0 advantage,
as they took the set 25-23.
Now
Docklands were confident - surely Salford didn't have
anything that could deprive them of a perfect start
to the season? The Docklands coach rang the changes
and new signings van Engeland and Ortolina
entered the fray, replacing the experienced Primus
and Kaptein.
Even
after a tight, error ridden third set, which Salford
managed to edge 25-22, Docklands were still unconcerned.
Primus was brought back on to steady the ship,
and to lead the team to what would surely be their
second win of the season. Everything went according
to plan until 23-18, when just 2 points from that
elusive victory, Docklands imploded! The Salford middle
hitter threw caution to the wind and delivered a series
of powerful serves that unsteadied the London team.
Firstly the Docklands passing unit yielded three easy
points and then setter Vincett failed to provide
the pinpoint sets he usually delivers. New Dutch signing
van Engeland was put under great pressure and
failed to break through as Salford's block seemed
suddenly impenetrable. Suddenly Docklands were 24-23
and set point down! Nerves were jangling and setter
Vincett fed the captain, Primus. Unbelievably
Primus put the ball in the net and the match
was all square, 2 sets all.
Salford
were jubilant, Docklands were shattered. Suddenly
Salford were in the driving seat and playing charmed
volleyball. Indeed, in the deciding set Salford could
do no wrong - great defence, strong blocking and crushing
hits left Docklands dazed and bruised. Mercifully
the end was swift, and after just 9 minutes, Docklands
were shaking hands with their opponents and looking
in disbelief at the scoreboard - 15-8!
The
journey back down the M6 was long and left plenty
of time for reflection - on what might have been,
but more importantly, what needs to be done before
the coming double header this weekend.
On
Saturday Docklands play the experienced Stoke and
on Sunday last year's League Champions, Malory - both
at Bacon's college, Rotherhithe.
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