If the gearbox oil level is too high it can have that affect. In fact too high can be worse than too low.
maybe they overfilled it.
My 1st and 2nd aren't great either, but I believe it's a common problem on the 130 TDI's and probably due to worn synchros.
I'm currently considering finding a second hand box and refurbing it, then fitting it when I decide to get my clutch done.
Does anyone have a picture of where this is located? My 1st and 2nd don't seem as nice as they could be so just want to check. But heard that VAG 1st/2nd are bad anyway.