KV (18) v CROYDON (14) – Referee: Brian Carswell.
The opening match in week 16 of the England Korfball Premier League was between KV and Croydon. Both teams were desperate for the win, with KV in search of a play-off place and Croydon looking to move out of the relegation zone. It was the home side that eventually won the match, 18 goals to 14. The win moves the side from KV onto 18 points, equal with Norwich Knights who also won their match today against Bearsted. Toby Clarke top scored in the match with 8 open play goals.
BEC (23) v BIRMINGHAM CITY (13) – Referee: Paul Jeanes. Bec coach, Dave Buckland said “The team did well today after a slow start. Birmingham are a hard working team and have improved a lot from the first time we played them. They deserve to be in the top league. We hit 23 goals this week and I am pleased with the performance”
Buckland’s attention is now on their next fixture, against defending champions, Trojans. With both Claire Dique and Amy Swain unavailable due to injury and unlikely to be fit before the play-offs at the earliest. “Trojans is going to be a great challenge and the players are well up for it. Two more games and then the play-offs. Bec 2 won their league today which shows the hard work the squad have put in” England internationals Ben King (7) and Davesh Patel (5) top scored for Bec.
NORWICH KNIGHTS (18) v BEARSTED (7) – Referee: Dean Woods.
We caught up with Josh Rowe (Norwich Knights) who scored four goals “Today was about getting back to winning ways to keep us on track for the playoffs. Most importantly we wanted to control the game from start to finish, and by doing so allowed us to implement some of the training systems we have been recently working on. It was a good team effort with an even spread of goals and some great team defence.”
Norwich Knight’s captain, Ross Lenton also scored four goals “I’m pleased with four goals today, considering I completed a 3 mile and 6 mile Sport Relief runs earlier today!”
Speaking about the result, Norwich Knights coach, Joe Stirling said “We controlled the game, passing the ball accurately to create chances from close range. We started very sharply taking a 7-0 lead. Thanks to a tireless work rate marking the ball out we forced many turnovers. Despite changes in the second half, including a premier debut for 14 year old Luke Coyte McKenzie, we continued to play the same style to see out our last home game 18 goals to 7”
Bearsted’s captain, Adam Dibble received a yellow card in the final stages of the match against Norwich Knights for dissent. Dibble had also received a yellow card during a league match in February 2013. As a result of receiving two yellow cards within a two year period an immediate one match suspension takes effect.
TORNADOES (13) v TROJANS (24) – Referee: Gary Cole.
In the post match interview, Trojans coach, Gary Brooks said “Some good link up play today with a solid team performance. Tornadoes gave us a good game and possess some talented individuals. The team is now looking forward to the final two games of the season with great enthusiasm”
Trojans’ and England International Tony Woodvine top scored in the match with 8 open play goals. Woodvine’s team mate, Sam Brooks was two goals behind, with 4 open play goals and two free-pass goals.
Tornadoes’ Owen Bailey was shown a yellow card during the match. Bailey will also serve an immediate one match suspension as a result of an accumulation of yellow cards received.
KINGFISHER (17) v NOMADS (25) – Referee: Steve Jones.
The final match of the day took place at Medway Park, Gillingham, Kent. Nomads won the match by an eight goal margin. The two points from the win secured third place in the league for Nomads. The teams fighting for the 4th and final play-off place are no longer able to catch Nomads who move onto 24 points. Nomads’ Sytze Bijker top scored in the match with 6 goals. Bijker has now scored 103 so far this season. 17 goals ahead of Norwich Knights’ Charlie Vogwill on 86.
The England Korfball League returns next week, Sunday 30 March, with another five matches.