5th of May Wainuiomata Rapids lose to NZIS (0-3)
Second week into the Wellington League, and the Rapids have had to deal with a reshuffled squad due to a few absences, also the Wellington Volleyball Association needing to change the draw. With the altered draw, meant the Rapids had to face the might of NZIS alot earlier then they were expecting. Philippa Samuelu Captaining the Rapids for the first time, had a tough task with the noticable absences of Lynda Moore through injury, Dahlia Gray, and Margaret Scott. The Rapids squad still had the experience needed to compete but had got off to a slow start. Managing to defend well in patches, eventualy losing the first set 25 – 13. It was the second set that had the Rapids stamping their mark in the match. In a see – saw set, the Rapids had a lead of two points at one stage 19 – 17, with all hitters making good kills. But a crucial error via a rotation violation which was picked up late by the scorer, had upset the rhythm that the Rapids were enjoying. With the fire power that was starting to grow within NZIS, had them come back 25 – 20. The third set had been riddled with errors for the Rapids, and with the rally-point scoring, eventually the errors reflected the score in the third set 25 – 8. Rapids now have faced an early loss, and will face up against Polyimage who will look eager for a win next week.
Porirua had an incomplete side, handing over the easy win to the Rapids. The players of the Porirua team that were present collected remaining players from the previous game to be able to play a friendly match which the Rapids were still able to put away 3 sets to Nil. Facing the Eagles Victoria Reds next week will give the Wainui Rapids the match that they will enjoy as a tough tussele on the route to the second Central Zone.