Matchweek 2 – EKL Premier Division round-up

There were 169 goals scored today with wins for Cambridge Tigers, Norwich Knights, Kingfisher and Bec in Match-Week 2 of the England Korfball League Premier Division.

BEARSTED 14-19 CAMBRIDGE TIGERS

Cambridge Tigers went in search and found their their first points of the campaign after last weeks home defeat to last season’s champions, Trojans.

Speaking after the match Cambridge Tigers Head Coach Chris West said “This was an important match for us and we knew Bearsted had some turnover in their squad, so we weren’t sure what to expect.”

“We were disappointed with the slow start in which both teams struggled to finish, leading to a 6 – 7 HT score. During the break I challenged the team to improve their shooting and they responded well to score 12 in the second half.”

Bearsted coach Azi Sieber simply said that the match was ‘competitive’ and ‘close’ but ultimately that Tigers “finished more of their chances than we did”

Cambridge Tigers’ Josh Dawes top scored in the match with six goals.

Referee: Chris Martin

NORWICH KNIGHTS 22-14 KV

Norwich Knights’ Head Coach Joe Stirling: “First game of the season and there was a mixed bag of excitement and nerves. It showed in the performance with some well created chances converted but some equally sloppy turnovers.

“The final result was never really in doubt as we gradually pulled away throughout the game and getting the first 2 points on the board was the most important part of today.

Both teams are in action next week, with KV hosting Birmingham City and Norwich Knights travel to Croydon, South London in a repeat of last season’s Grand Final against Trojans.

Referee: Joe Skeet

KINGFISHER 30-24 NOMADS

Nomads’ Olly Bell scored 10 against Kingfisher but it wasn’t enough to stop the home team taking all the points.

Kingfisher’s new Head Coach Johan Oosterling said: “It was a fantastic result for us today in a really tough match. We were only 1 goal up at half time and managed to get 3 unanswered goals coming out of the break. That was huge for us coming out of halftime and our defence only conceding 1 shot in Nomads’ first 5 attacks and building a 4 goal lead.

“Nomads never gave up and battled really hard, we concede way too many penalties so still plenty to learn from this too.

The intensive pre-season training programme appears to be paying off for Oosterling and Kingfisher.

“The (Korfball) fitness levels of our players has been really good the last couple of weeks with another fantastic 2nd half scoring 17 goals – we really showed clinical and truly fantastic Korfball.

“I couldn’t be happier for us to get 30 goals on the scoreboard. Next up Bearsted next Sunday and I am sure they’ll be very keen to give us a really hard game.

Nomads also had a new coach on the sidelines for the 2017/18 season – Terry Forde.

Forde said: “Today was a really tough first game for us. We have a number of new players in the squad. It will take a few weeks for the squad to adjust to my tactics.

“Kingfishers shot brilliant throughout the game. The conditions of the floor at Aylesford prevented us from playing in the style that we would have liked. However, the conditions were the same for both teams. Kingfisher simply converted more of their chances.

“We have a very good young squad who I’m extremely excited about working with throughout the season”

Referee: Adam Dibble

TROJANS (22-24) BEC

This game did not disappoint!

Gary Brooks, Trojans Head Coach: “This was a great game for the neutral supporters. This early season encounter was always going to be a challenge.

“I’m disappointed with the result today but as always we will review and see what improvements are required.

“Bec were the better team today.  Congratulations to them and their coaching team”

Bec Korfball’s new Head Coach, John Denton was delighted with a “great team performance”

“When we went four goals down in the second half, I bet some people thought that the game was over, but we came back even stronger and managed to clinch the win.

“Joe Bedford and Blake Palfreyman were outstanding today but overall it was a great team performance all round.

“A great starting point for the season ahead, now we look forward to the next game.”

Referee: Azi Sieber