GI get off to a winning start with a 4-1 win over Troon 2, after an early scare losing the 1st set.

The result really doesn't reflect how close this match was. With GI only travelling with a squad of six through a variety of circumstances, we knew this wasn't going to be an easy start to the new season. Sinead stepped up to play opposite and Diane and Hilda found themselves in the unusual position of being included in the passing unit.

The young troon team got off to a great start and had GI under pressure from the word go, with strong hitting and serving from Robertson and McCall. Uncharacteristic mistakes were creeping in as we chased the game. Sinead stepped into the passing unit and GI started refinding some form, but ultimately left it too late, with the young Troon teams tenacity taking them over the line winning the 1st set 26-24.

GI passing was good enough, but we still weren't able to take control of the 1st phase and Troon found themselves leading 7-5. Hilda started the momentum turning in our favour with a good run of serves, quickly followed by Diane. Sinead was effective at opposite and Nicola was hitting inteligently at power. The set was closed out fairly comfortably after that.

The third set followed a similar vein as GI dominated the service battle and it was Troons turn to gift GI with some pressurised errors.

Troon came out fighting in the fourth and coped with the demands of the game. Every time GI edged into a small lead, Troon forced themselves back into it - they were determined not to give up the match without a fight, they fought and fought to find themselves in the lead at 21-19. Timeout and we re-organised. It was a scrap but our experience helped us through to take the match 25-22.

GI got off to a good start in the 5th, but Troon didn't give up and recovered to retake the initiative. A lack of focus and we found ourselves 14-13 down. It was to and fro as both teams battled to take the set. GI just pipped at as it went to 19-17.

A good start for GI to start the season with a 4-1 win. Things to work on after our early fright, but hopefully a larger squad to run next time.