Rugby Phoenix Men 1st Team 3 Nuneaton Men 1 (15-25, 25-15, 25 -23, 25-20)
Rugby Phoenix mens first team were without a league win in their last 5 matches so they knew this would be a crucial game against local rivals Nuneaton.
Rugby started the game very slowly and let several errors give their opponents an easy lead. The home side tried desperately to get back into the set but Nuneaton raised their game and even a late substitute appearance by coach Jon Chetham couldn¹t get Rugby back into the set.
As the teams entered the second set Rugby knew they would have to come up with something better if they were going to get any points from this match. Outside hitter Jacob Jarek soon found his range and hit several unstoppable shots at the Nuneaton back line. The cool head of Andy Nicklin meant that Rugby could compose themselves and set up a host of middle attacks that saw them take the second set and level up the match.
The third set saw both sides trading early points. Middle hitter Matthew Glenn put in a fantastic performance and linked up with setters Simon Jones and Aneel Khanna to edge Rugby into the lead. Both sides continued at a steady pace until Rugby eventually won the set despite a late comeback from the away side.
Rugby sensed victory entering the fourth set and knew if they kept up this performance they had a chance of winning the game. Captain Mark Fielding made sure his team carried on and really put pressure on the Nuneaton defence. With some good hitting in the middle, Rugby snuck into the lead and kept there through out the set. The home side eventually claimed the fourth set to win the match 3-1.
A great win for the men who were well supported during the match but one question still remains…with a lovely new fit jumper, could the ex-cardigan wearing mans jeans be any tighter James?
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