After managing only 2 points from two sets won in the preliminary round, MR Herblingen found themselves in last place. Therefore, points were crucial when the second half of the season kicked off on July 1st at TV Kaufleute on Emmersberg. Would this be possible? Once again, coach Christoff couldn't count on all of his experienced players.
In the first match, they faced Satus 2, who fielded a strong defense but lacked an overwhelming attack. Nevertheless, Herblingen never managed to keep pace and lost all three sets by relatively narrow margins. The third set even went to extra points; it seemed as if the positional changes Christoff made had some effect. At the change of ends, they were still in the lead.
(Satus Schaffhausen 2:MR Herblingen; 3:0; 11:8, 11:7, 12:10)
The second opponents that evening were the hosts, TV Kaufleute, but they too gave no quarter. Herblingen played a notch better; the coach's adjustments had an effect, but it still wasn't quite enough. In the third set, their motivation and energy finally ran out.
(MR Herblingen:TV Kaufleute 1; : 0:3; 6:11, 8:11, 4:11)
This leaves the Herblingen men's team in last place, already six points behind the next team. A considerable handicap for the final two rounds, which will be played at the end of August after the summer holidays. On a positive note, the players motivated each other and displayed excellent team spirit.
The players were: Christian, Matthias, Christoff, Hans, Urban, (René injured)