EKL – Premier Division – Week 11
The weekend of 28th February / 1st March 2015 was week 11 of the England Korfball League’s Premier Division.
There were four matches played over the weekend, Kingfisher v Tornadoes on Saturday evening and then Trojans v Birmingham City, Nomads v Norwich Knights and Bec v KV on Sunday.
KINGFISHER 25-26 TORNADOES (HT 13-14)
Referee: Anna Jeanes
It was Tornadoes that won the Kent derby match with a last minute penalty 25-26 at Aylesford College Sports Centre.
Tornadoes coach Corinne Buckland said “We are in the winning mode, confidence is growing and growing. After the win against Nomads [last weekend] the players have the belief in themselves.
“It was goal for goal all the way up till the end even behind again at the last couple of minutes but we managed to score 2 times and walked away with a win. Some tough games ahead, but looking forward to them!”
Tornadoes and England U21 international Owen Bailey top scored in the game with 10 goals.
Kingfisher captain Saskia Carr-Taylor said “We played very well and are very disappointed not to have won the game. Unfortunately Tornadoes were awarded a last minute dubious penalty which cost us the game.
“Dan Brown and Owen Bailey shot very well for Tornadoes. We are feeling positive about the last three games and are still fighting for a fourth place finish.”
Tornadoes have now won their last three matches and move onto 8 points. The team from Kent remain in 7th place in the league, equal on points with Nomads who have played a game extra.
TROJANS 39-5 BIRMINGHAM CITY (HT 18-2)
Referee: Gary Cole
Trojans captain David Brooks said: “Great intensity for 60 minutes with a nice spread of goals across the team. Birmingham where very competitive and never gave up we shot very well today.
“Special mention to Sam Brooks on fine form in his first Premier League game for the season and young Eva [Gibbins] who showed great maturity and confidence during the match.”
David Brooks, Matt Brooks and Tony Woodvine top scored for Trojans with 7 goals each.
NOMADS 26-17 NORWICH KNIGHTS
Referee: Steve Jones
After six consecutive defeats Nomads returned to winning ways with a 26-17 victory over Norwich Knights.
Nomads star player Ean Irwin said: “A great result and fantastic team performance from Nomads. Training hard on new tactics over the last couple of weeks has really helped us bounce back from a string of recent disappointing losses.
“Knights didn’t give up and pulled it close a couple of times; however the clinical shooting of Nomads was the big difference. Steve Jones also refereed the game extremely well which made the game much more enjoyable to play.
“I’m very proud to captain this team especially after such a great result.”
Norwich Knights coach Joe Stirling “A another learning curve for a young squad that included 15 year Coyte-McKenzie scoring a hat trick on his first EKL start.
“Nomads shot well from around the court but we can’t use that as an excuse. In this league all teams can shoot well and we have to respond. Our creativity and fitness levels are very good and our job is to convert these chances into goals.”
Norwich Knights remain in 4th place in the league on 10 points. Nomads move up one place into 6th on 8 points.
BEC 17-11 KV (HT 8-7)
Referee: Dean Woods
Speaking after the match KV’s captain/coach James McDonald said “With the season drawing to a close and playoffs in sight we looked forward to testing ourselves against the current leaders and Europa Shield winners.
“It was a quick start for us with 3 early goals but Bec soon settled and were level again. The first half then continued as a close affair finishing up 8-7 to Bec.
“In the second half we struggled to score with some great defensive pressure from Bec and we rushed our chances a little when they pulled away mid way through the second half.
“Overall I was pleased with our defensive effort against a high scoring Bec team. And it is valuable experience for my young side that we will take and use in the run up to the end of the season. Good luck to Bec for the rest of the season. We are now looking ahead to our game in hand v Tornadoes on Saturday.”
Bec coach Dave Buckland speaking after the victory said: “KV are a very strong unit and todays game was going to be a challenge for us. The team’s defensive performance was great and we put a lot of pressure on KV.
“We created a lot of chances but the ball didn’t want to drop for us today. The movement was great and we are pleased with the win and the 2 points. We have Birmingham away next. 3 more games to go”
The England Korfball League returns next weekend, with five matches, starting with Tornadoes v KV on Saturday evening at 7pm.