A full squad except for Matt Lay travelled away to East Grinstead. The Vipers always manage to struggle in this fixture and last year got away with day light robbery in a very close 3-2 win.
True to form the Vipers struggled to get going against a very spirited EG Mens team who never gave up chasing every ball down and made far fewer mistakes than Vipers. The first set went to EG and it was clear Worthing would have to get their act together if they were going to win the match. A much better start from the Vipers saw them take an early lead in the second set, but again EG refused to lie down and clawed back to level things half way through the set. But Vipers started to cut out the first pass and hitting mistakes to close out the set comfortably.
Another strong start to the third set until Damo managed to slip and slightly turn his ankle attempting a back court hit and EG started to sense they may have a good chance to take another set. Some improved hitting from Matt and a better first pass enabled Andy to open up the middle with Andrew and Nigel taking full advantage. The Vipers closed out the third set and started to find their groove in the fourth. EG refused to lay down and their setter continued to be a thorn in the Vipers side with the occasional second touch dump and hit.
Be now Vipers had cut out their serving errors and built a large lead that they never looked like losing.
So a close and hard fought 3-1 win against an improving EG who should start to record more wins if they carry on working hard. MVP went to Andy probably for the court distance covered in the early sets until the Vipers pass improved later on, but must have been pushed hard by both Vipers middles and Derek through opposite.
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