England Korfball League – Premier Division
The weekend of 14/15 February 2015 was week 10 of the England Korfball League’s Premier Division.
KV 28-12 KINGFISHER (HT 11-9) – Referee: Dean Woods
The first match of the weekend took place on Saturday evening at Aylesford Sports College, it was a repeat of the same fixture 7 days ago. Last week both teams shared the points after a 16-16 draw.
KV stormed into an early 5-0 lead before Kingfisher started their fightback. At the halftime break there was little to separate the teams, with KV ahead 11-9.
The second half was a more one-sided affair with KV scoring 17 goals to Kingfisher’s 3.
The result sees KV move onto 13 points in the league table. KV remain in 3rd place in the league, 3 points ahead of Norwich Knights with KV playing one game less.
England Korfball spoke with KV and England U21 International Adam Camies after the victory: “After the draw last week where we did not shoot well we knew we had to improve. We started off on fire scoring the first five goals, but Kingfisher soon settled into the match and the score line closed up with us going into halftime two goals up.
“However during the second half we came to life executing in attack and playing some great defence holding Kingfishers to just 3 second half goals whilst scoring 17 ourselves to finish 28-12.
“Despite the final scoreline it was a very competitive match played in good spirits and we wish Kingfishers good luck with the rest of their season”
Kingfisher are in action in 7 days time against Tornadoes. Next up for KV is league leaders Bec on Sunday 01 March.
NOMADS 16-18 TORNADOES – Referee: David Bond
The first match on Sunday (15 February) was between Nomads and Tornadoes at Epsom College sports centre.
It was the team from Kent that took both points with a deserved 16-18 victory over a struggling Nomads team.
Tornadoes have now won back to back victories in the Premier league. Nomads have not won since their 18-8 victory against Birmingham City in November.
Ean Irwin top scored for Nomads with four goals: “A disappointing day after losing another game having been in the lead again.
“There are some positives to take from the game, but a lot to work on in training to get us out of this current rut we’re in.”
Speaking about the victory Tornadoes coach Corinne Buckland said: “We came into this game with a great deal of confidence, good build up in last couple weeks, massive boost winning against Birmingham, tricked them, to believe in ourselves.
We had some bad patches in the game but remained calm and still were 4 behind with 10 minutes but pulled it back and even went in front with only 2 minutes left.
We stayed in control until the final whistle. So pleased for the players. It all payed off!”
England U21 International Owen Bailey top scored for Tornadoes with seven goals.
TROJANS 16-12 BEC (HT 7-6) – Referee: Steve Jones
It was advantage Bec after the first meeting between the two powerhouses of the England Korfball League – Bec won 21-24 in November 2014. Trojans got their revenge today with a 16-12 win.
Dutchman Joep Backx made his first team debut for Bec Korfball Club in the England Korfball Premier League scoring two goals.
Trojans coach Gary Brooks: “A good team performance against a Bec team who have been in great form. It was good to have almost our full squad available.
“Trojans got off to a good start taking an early lead in what was a to be a very tight game.
“Hannah Goodridge and Toby Clarke continue to develop at this level. Goals were hard to come by as both defences worked hard in closing down their opponent.
“After about 40 minutes we broke into a 4 goal lead which we never really surrendered as odd goals were traded. Final score 16-12 with Dave [Brooks] and Tony [Woodvine] top scored with 5 goals each.”
Trojans star Tony Woodvine spoke to England Korfball immediately after the match: “It was good to see us with a full squad injury free putting the pressure back on Bec.
“We are looking forward to the playoffs. I felt we were in control throughout the game, having taken an early lead. A close game but a great result against Bec and we look forward to the play offs. Good to see Hannah Goodridge and Toby Clark continuously improving with first team game time.”
Speaking after Bec’s first defeat in the league this season Bec’s coach Dave Buckland said: “Trojans deserved to win today. They wanted it more. We missed 3 penalties and didn’t play well for the whole game.
“If you only score 12 goals you don’t win games. We will regroup and move forward from this defeat.
“We are still top of the table and when you are there everybody wants to beat you. Looking forward to the next game.”
Joe Bedford top scored for Bec with four goals.
Bec remain in top spot in the league table on 18 points.
NORWICH KNIGHTS 10-0 BIRMINGHAM CITY
The match between Norwich Knights and Birmingham City was forfeited by Birmingham City. Norwich Knights are awarded a 10-0 win.
The two points from this match move Norwich Knights into 4th place in the league and into a playoff place.