Nottingham Korfball Club

On Saturday Nottingham’s undefeated 2^nd team travelled to Leeds for a top-of-the-table clash, with both teams equal on points coming into the game. Leeds had the superior goal difference having a resounding 15 goal win over Birmingham under their belts, whilst the 2nds had beaten the same team by only 5 goals.

The 2nds knew it was going to be a tough game and a bit of a nervous start led to Jam Trubridge’s first goal being equalised by Leeds. The attack of Alex, Fro, Sara and Sam, however, recycled the ball well and were able two open up a two goal lead after Sam turned her girl in the feed and Alex converted a penalty. At this point Notts were playing their best korfball and Jam, Rahul, Esther and Ali returned to the attack and continued the patient play to add a further two goals. The match up of Jam and Andy Kirwan was a spectator sport in itself, with Jam gaining the upper hand as he consistently ran around his player. In defence Fro’s long arms caused big difficulties for the Leeds attack, and this combined with the girls’ defence work around the post meant that Leeds were unable to gain any real momentum in attack.

15 minutes into the first half and Notts seemed to lose their heads somewhat, giving away penalties and losing the fluidity of their attacks. This allowed Leeds back into the game and the half finished 6-4.

Notts used half time wisely to regain their focus and returned to the pitch all guns blazing, and a quick goal from Alex settled any nerves that had re-appeared. Despite their noisy support Leeds could not get back into the game and Nottingham again produced some excellent korfball. Some strong defence allowed the attack the time it needed to add goals. In particular Esther kept the high-scoring Shirley Uittige-Willige extremely quiet, Fro neutralised the danger of Rob Wust and Sara shut down the potential threat of Nicola Harrison. Ali gained in confidence and sank two long shots, Alex could not miss around the basket and Rahul added a trademark booming long shot, as well as providing some excellent defensive support work.

Leeds could only add one goal to their half-time total, whilst Nottingham scored a further 9 goals leaving the final tally 15-5 to the visitors, who take a well-deserved position at the top of the league table. Next up Manchester!

Team:

Alex (5), Fro (2), Sara, Sam (2); Jam (3), Rahul (1), Esther, Ali (2).