POLONIA claimed their first win of the season at the third time of asking, to finally get their National Division One season up and running.
The Ealing side - who are rebuilding their team after introducing a number of new players this year - beat Coventry & Warwick Riga 3-1 at St Benedict's School in Ealing on Saturday.
Matches between the teams have traditionally been five-set thrillers, with Riga basing their success on three stalwarts - Phil Wyles, veteran Dutchman Kees de Hoogh and John Gilling, the quiet man of the team.
But Polonia coach Krzys Hykiel found a winning combination as his team won 25-19, 28-26, 17-25, 25-20.
Hykiel had Greg Niski as setter, Marek Biczysko in place of an injured Kuba Jablonski as opposite, Michas and Andrzej Saller as passer hitters, Regis Nunes and Patrick
Selep in the middle and Norbert Offra as libero.
He also used recently signed Alex Gaitan - at 6ft 7in the tallest setter in Britain. Gaitan linked nicely with the middle hitters, who had almost perfect hitting statistics.
Polonia put on quite an exhibition in the first set, overwhelming the opposition and leading at one stage by almost 10 points. The set was closed out after a passing error from Riga.
The second set was similar to the first, except for Samuel Piecka, returning from illness to play for the first time this season. Piecka scored freely at the net and made key block touches to allow Polonia to win by a slightly smaller margin.
Returning to the line-up that won the first set so easily, Polonia took their foot off the gas and gifted the third set to the visitors. But, with significantly more passion and determination, the fourth set went their way.
Next up is third-placed Sheffield away on October 10. Malory Eagles of London lead the division.
To read reports and get more information about the club, visit www.polonialondonvc.co.uk
