By Rhianna Davies and Ben Thomas
USW claimed a comprehensive victory against Gloucestershire at the Sport Park in a match that was more competitive than the scoreline suggests.
The hosts conceded a point to an aced serve right at the start, but gradually recovered to establish leads of 5-3 and 7-5 in the first set.
USW owed much of their success to a stellar display by Caroline Theriot, and it was Theriot who won the vital opening set-point from a 25-21 advantage.
Gloucestershire, despite the setback, began the second set in determined fashion, but they slowly fell behind on the scoreboard.
USW carved out leads of 12-6 and 15-9, always managing to keep their opponents at arm’s length. And when the deficit increased to 21-13 Theriot once again played the crucial role in claiming the points that made it 2-0 in sets.
The encounter was always full-blooded from that stage but the extra power and athleticism of USW ensured there was no consolation set for Gloucestershire.