English Korfball Premier League: Invicta 1 vs Croydon 1 Final Score: Croydon 1 7 vs 22 Invicta 1There were no Croydon scorers in this game.Submitted by on 23 Oct 05Croydon KC3 v Pelham KC Croydon 3 took on an experienced Pelham 1 side on Sunday, looking to take the points from the side who were only one place above them in the table. With a couple of third team regulars called up to play for the seconds, the Croydon side was slightly changed from it's normal layout, but this didn't stop them from fighting for the win. Pelham started out with one player missing but Croydon couldn't quite manage to capitalise on their advantage and it soon became clear that there were some very sharp shooters in the Pelham side who would have to be closed down if Croydon were to take the lead. On several occasions Croydon put together some excellent attacking moves, but failed to finish off by putting the ball in the basket at the end of them, leaving their defence under pressure to mark out tight. Pelham on the other hand, when given the space, slotted home their goals, and this was to prove the main difference between the two sides. Going into half time the score was 6-3 to Pelham. As Croydon came out after the break though, they tried some different defensive marking which seemed to work, and allowed the attack more time to score. The gap between the two teams narrowed to a single goal and the tension mounted. As the second half drew to its conclusion, both teams were still battling to open up a convincing lead. A few lapses in concentration and some tired legs in the Croydon team enabled Pelham to get a couple of crucial goals, and from there they found the lead and didn't let up. Final score 14-10 to Pelham. Team: Lorraine, Chris, Judi, Steph, Mike, Dan, Greg, Pat Croydon KC4 v North Downs KC2 This was going to be a tough match from the start, with a more experienced North Downs side, some of whom have played in North Downs National League side in the past. The Croydon side was its usual mix of age and youth, experience and potential. There was a return to the side for the experienced Carol Allen, and the up and coming junior Naida Hanine, both of whom have not been in the side for many weeks. There was also a place for London Bronco's assistant Rugby League coach, and ex-Croydon club coach Dave Rotheram, returning from rugby training in Australia. 4th team regulars, Debby Holland, Mike Etheridge and Chris Etheridge were joined by recent newcomer to senior korfball, Leah Palfreyman, another one to watch out for in the future. Dan Pratt rounded off the team, stepping in to fill the gap, when a 4th 4th team boy couldn't be found (Dan then went on to play in the third team straight after!) The first half saw Croydon struggle to find their feet, with shots going agonisingly close, but just not going in. Collection was lacking on a number of occasions leading to one shot attacks and extra pressure on the defence. North Downs shooting was on form, and they punished the Croydon team's lack of experience with several running in shots, and veering movements. Going into the half time break, the Croydon team could be forgiven for letting their heads go down, but this wasn't the case. Early in the second half a few shots started to go in, and the team rallied. Nadia started to show real aggression as she refused to let her player get any easy balls and blocked out the feed on many occasions to prevent running in shots from the opposition boys. Leah stepped up a gear, and marked her player close stopping her from shooting, whilst Carol and Debby worked tirelessly around the basket, to collect the shots, and out front, to take their own shots. With the attack managing to hold onto the ball for longer the defence were able to concentrate their efforts more and were rewarded by several "defended" decisions in their favour. Youth player Chris Etheridge managed to find his range, and the target, slotting home a couple of great long shots. With his speed, and some more practise he should now be looking to get running collects, and shots off the rebound as well as his long shots. The score in the second half was a very respectable 7-4 (to North Downs), giving an overal final score of 17-5 to the visitors. Team: Dan, Chris, Mike, Dave, Nadia, Leah, Carol, Debby Match Report by Andy Final Score: Croydon 2 25 vs 19 Invicta 2There were no Croydon scorers in this game.Submitted by on 23 Oct 05Croydon KC3 v Pelham KC Croydon 3 took on an experienced Pelham 1 side on Sunday, looking to take the points from the side who were only one place above them in the table. With a couple of third team regulars called up to play for the seconds, the Croydon side was slightly changed from it's normal layout, but this didn't stop them from fighting for the win. Pelham started out with one player missing but Croydon couldn't quite manage to capitalise on their advantage and it soon became clear that there were some very sharp shooters in the Pelham side who would have to be closed down if Croydon were to take the lead. On several occasions Croydon put together some excellent attacking moves, but failed to finish off by putting the ball in the basket at the end of them, leaving their defence under pressure to mark out tight. Pelham on the other hand, when given the space, slotted home their goals, and this was to prove the main difference between the two sides. Going into half time the score was 6-3 to Pelham. As Croydon came out after the break though, they tried some different defensive marking which seemed to work, and allowed the attack more time to score. The gap between the two teams narrowed to a single goal and the tension mounted. As the second half drew to its conclusion, both teams were still battling to open up a convincing lead. A few lapses in concentration and some tired legs in the Croydon team enabled Pelham to get a couple of crucial goals, and from there they found the lead and didn't let up. Final score 14-10 to Pelham. Team: Lorraine, Chris, Judi, Steph, Mike, Dan, Greg, Pat Croydon KC4 v North Downs KC2 This was going to be a tough match from the start, with a more experienced North Downs side, some of whom have played in North Downs National League side in the past. The Croydon side was its usual mix of age and youth, experience and potential. There was a return to the side for the experienced Carol Allen, and the up and coming junior Naida Hanine, both of whom have not been in the side for many weeks. There was also a place for London Bronco's assistant Rugby League coach, and ex-Croydon club coach Dave Rotheram, returning from rugby training in Australia. 4th team regulars, Debby Holland, Mike Etheridge and Chris Etheridge were joined by recent newcomer to senior korfball, Leah Palfreyman, another one to watch out for in the future. Dan Pratt rounded off the team, stepping in to fill the gap, when a 4th 4th team boy couldn't be found (Dan then went on to play in the third team straight after!) The first half saw Croydon struggle to find their feet, with shots going agonisingly close, but just not going in. Collection was lacking on a number of occasions leading to one shot attacks and extra pressure on the defence. North Downs shooting was on form, and they punished the Croydon team's lack of experience with several running in shots, and veering movements. Going into the half time break, the Croydon team could be forgiven for letting their heads go down, but this wasn't the case. Early in the second half a few shots started to go in, and the team rallied. Nadia started to show real aggression as she refused to let her player get any easy balls and blocked out the feed on many occasions to prevent running in shots from the opposition boys. Leah stepped up a gear, and marked her player close stopping her from shooting, whilst Carol and Debby worked tirelessly around the basket, to collect the shots, and out front, to take their own shots. With the attack managing to hold onto the ball for longer the defence were able to concentrate their efforts more and were rewarded by several "defended" decisions in their favour. Youth player Chris Etheridge managed to find his range, and the target, slotting home a couple of great long shots. With his speed, and some more practise he should now be looking to get running collects, and shots off the rebound as well as his long shots. The score in the second half was a very respectable 7-4 (to North Downs), giving an overal final score of 17-5 to the visitors. Team: Dan, Chris, Mike, Dave, Nadia, Leah, Carol, Debby Match Report by Andy Final Score: Croydon 3 10 vs 14 Pelham 1There were no Croydon scorers in this game.Submitted by on 06 Nov 05Croydon KC3 v Pelham KC Croydon 3 took on an experienced Pelham 1 side on Sunday, looking to take the points from the side who were only one place above them in the table. With a couple of third team regulars called up to play for the seconds, the Croydon side was slightly changed from it's normal layout, but this didn't stop them from fighting for the win. Pelham started out with one player missing but Croydon couldn't quite manage to capitalise on their advantage and it soon became clear that there were some very sharp shooters in the Pelham side who would have to be closed down if Croydon were to take the lead. On several occasions Croydon put together some excellent attacking moves, but failed to finish off by putting the ball in the basket at the end of them, leaving their defence under pressure to mark out tight. Pelham on the other hand, when given the space, slotted home their goals, and this was to prove the main difference between the two sides. Going into half time the score was 6-3 to Pelham. As Croydon came out after the break though, they tried some different defensive marking which seemed to work, and allowed the attack more time to score. The gap between the two teams narrowed to a single goal and the tension mounted. As the second half drew to its conclusion, both teams were still battling to open up a convincing lead. A few lapses in concentration and some tired legs in the Croydon team enabled Pelham to get a couple of crucial goals, and from there they found the lead and didn't let up. Final score 14-10 to Pelham. Team: Lorraine, Chris, Judi, Steph, Mike, Dan, Greg, Pat Croydon KC4 v North Downs KC2 This was going to be a tough match from the start, with a more experienced North Downs side, some of whom have played in North Downs National League side in the past. The Croydon side was its usual mix of age and youth, experience and potential. There was a return to the side for the experienced Carol Allen, and the up and coming junior Naida Hanine, both of whom have not been in the side for many weeks. There was also a place for London Bronco's assistant Rugby League coach, and ex-Croydon club coach Dave Rotheram, returning from rugby training in Australia. 4th team regulars, Debby Holland, Mike Etheridge and Chris Etheridge were joined by recent newcomer to senior korfball, Leah Palfreyman, another one to watch out for in the future. Dan Pratt rounded off the team, stepping in to fill the gap, when a 4th 4th team boy couldn't be found (Dan then went on to play in the third team straight after!) The first half saw Croydon struggle to find their feet, with shots going agonisingly close, but just not going in. Collection was lacking on a number of occasions leading to one shot attacks and extra pressure on the defence. North Downs shooting was on form, and they punished the Croydon team's lack of experience with several running in shots, and veering movements. Going into the half time break, the Croydon team could be forgiven for letting their heads go down, but this wasn't the case. Early in the second half a few shots started to go in, and the team rallied. Nadia started to show real aggression as she refused to let her player get any easy balls and blocked out the feed on many occasions to prevent running in shots from the opposition boys. Leah stepped up a gear, and marked her player close stopping her from shooting, whilst Carol and Debby worked tirelessly around the basket, to collect the shots, and out front, to take their own shots. With the attack managing to hold onto the ball for longer the defence were able to concentrate their efforts more and were rewarded by several "defended" decisions in their favour. Youth player Chris Etheridge managed to find his range, and the target, slotting home a couple of great long shots. With his speed, and some more practise he should now be looking to get running collects, and shots off the rebound as well as his long shots. The score in the second half was a very respectable 7-4 (to North Downs), giving an overal final score of 17-5 to the visitors. Team: Dan, Chris, Mike, Dave, Nadia, Leah, Carol, Debby Match Report by Andy Final Score: Croydon 4 5 vs 17 North Downs 2There were no Croydon scorers in this game.Submitted by on 06 Nov 05
Croydon KC3 v Pelham KC Croydon 3 took on an experienced Pelham 1 side on Sunday, looking to take the points from the side who were only one place above them in the table. With a couple of third team regulars called up to play for the seconds, the Croydon side was slightly changed from it's normal layout, but this didn't stop them from fighting for the win. Pelham started out with one player missing but Croydon couldn't quite manage to capitalise on their advantage and it soon became clear that there were some very sharp shooters in the Pelham side who would have to be closed down if Croydon were to take the lead. On several occasions Croydon put together some excellent attacking moves, but failed to finish off by putting the ball in the basket at the end of them, leaving their defence under pressure to mark out tight. Pelham on the other hand, when given the space, slotted home their goals, and this was to prove the main difference between the two sides. Going into half time the score was 6-3 to Pelham. As Croydon came out after the break though, they tried some different defensive marking which seemed to work, and allowed the attack more time to score. The gap between the two teams narrowed to a single goal and the tension mounted. As the second half drew to its conclusion, both teams were still battling to open up a convincing lead. A few lapses in concentration and some tired legs in the Croydon team enabled Pelham to get a couple of crucial goals, and from there they found the lead and didn't let up. Final score 14-10 to Pelham. Team: Lorraine, Chris, Judi, Steph, Mike, Dan, Greg, Pat Croydon KC4 v North Downs KC2 This was going to be a tough match from the start, with a more experienced North Downs side, some of whom have played in North Downs National League side in the past. The Croydon side was its usual mix of age and youth, experience and potential. There was a return to the side for the experienced Carol Allen, and the up and coming junior Naida Hanine, both of whom have not been in the side for many weeks. There was also a place for London Bronco's assistant Rugby League coach, and ex-Croydon club coach Dave Rotheram, returning from rugby training in Australia. 4th team regulars, Debby Holland, Mike Etheridge and Chris Etheridge were joined by recent newcomer to senior korfball, Leah Palfreyman, another one to watch out for in the future. Dan Pratt rounded off the team, stepping in to fill the gap, when a 4th 4th team boy couldn't be found (Dan then went on to play in the third team straight after!) The first half saw Croydon struggle to find their feet, with shots going agonisingly close, but just not going in. Collection was lacking on a number of occasions leading to one shot attacks and extra pressure on the defence. North Downs shooting was on form, and they punished the Croydon team's lack of experience with several running in shots, and veering movements. Going into the half time break, the Croydon team could be forgiven for letting their heads go down, but this wasn't the case. Early in the second half a few shots started to go in, and the team rallied. Nadia started to show real aggression as she refused to let her player get any easy balls and blocked out the feed on many occasions to prevent running in shots from the opposition boys. Leah stepped up a gear, and marked her player close stopping her from shooting, whilst Carol and Debby worked tirelessly around the basket, to collect the shots, and out front, to take their own shots. With the attack managing to hold onto the ball for longer the defence were able to concentrate their efforts more and were rewarded by several "defended" decisions in their favour. Youth player Chris Etheridge managed to find his range, and the target, slotting home a couple of great long shots. With his speed, and some more practise he should now be looking to get running collects, and shots off the rebound as well as his long shots. The score in the second half was a very respectable 7-4 (to North Downs), giving an overal final score of 17-5 to the visitors. Team: Dan, Chris, Mike, Dave, Nadia, Leah, Carol, Debby Match Report by Andy Final Score: Croydon 2 25 vs 19 Invicta 2There were no Croydon scorers in this game.Submitted by on 23 Oct 05Croydon KC3 v Pelham KC Croydon 3 took on an experienced Pelham 1 side on Sunday, looking to take the points from the side who were only one place above them in the table. With a couple of third team regulars called up to play for the seconds, the Croydon side was slightly changed from it's normal layout, but this didn't stop them from fighting for the win. Pelham started out with one player missing but Croydon couldn't quite manage to capitalise on their advantage and it soon became clear that there were some very sharp shooters in the Pelham side who would have to be closed down if Croydon were to take the lead. On several occasions Croydon put together some excellent attacking moves, but failed to finish off by putting the ball in the basket at the end of them, leaving their defence under pressure to mark out tight. Pelham on the other hand, when given the space, slotted home their goals, and this was to prove the main difference between the two sides. Going into half time the score was 6-3 to Pelham. As Croydon came out after the break though, they tried some different defensive marking which seemed to work, and allowed the attack more time to score. The gap between the two teams narrowed to a single goal and the tension mounted. As the second half drew to its conclusion, both teams were still battling to open up a convincing lead. A few lapses in concentration and some tired legs in the Croydon team enabled Pelham to get a couple of crucial goals, and from there they found the lead and didn't let up. Final score 14-10 to Pelham. Team: Lorraine, Chris, Judi, Steph, Mike, Dan, Greg, Pat Croydon KC4 v North Downs KC2 This was going to be a tough match from the start, with a more experienced North Downs side, some of whom have played in North Downs National League side in the past. The Croydon side was its usual mix of age and youth, experience and potential. There was a return to the side for the experienced Carol Allen, and the up and coming junior Naida Hanine, both of whom have not been in the side for many weeks. There was also a place for London Bronco's assistant Rugby League coach, and ex-Croydon club coach Dave Rotheram, returning from rugby training in Australia. 4th team regulars, Debby Holland, Mike Etheridge and Chris Etheridge were joined by recent newcomer to senior korfball, Leah Palfreyman, another one to watch out for in the future. Dan Pratt rounded off the team, stepping in to fill the gap, when a 4th 4th team boy couldn't be found (Dan then went on to play in the third team straight after!) The first half saw Croydon struggle to find their feet, with shots going agonisingly close, but just not going in. Collection was lacking on a number of occasions leading to one shot attacks and extra pressure on the defence. North Downs shooting was on form, and they punished the Croydon team's lack of experience with several running in shots, and veering movements. Going into the half time break, the Croydon team could be forgiven for letting their heads go down, but this wasn't the case. Early in the second half a few shots started to go in, and the team rallied. Nadia started to show real aggression as she refused to let her player get any easy balls and blocked out the feed on many occasions to prevent running in shots from the opposition boys. Leah stepped up a gear, and marked her player close stopping her from shooting, whilst Carol and Debby worked tirelessly around the basket, to collect the shots, and out front, to take their own shots. With the attack managing to hold onto the ball for longer the defence were able to concentrate their efforts more and were rewarded by several "defended" decisions in their favour. Youth player Chris Etheridge managed to find his range, and the target, slotting home a couple of great long shots. With his speed, and some more practise he should now be looking to get running collects, and shots off the rebound as well as his long shots. The score in the second half was a very respectable 7-4 (to North Downs), giving an overal final score of 17-5 to the visitors. Team: Dan, Chris, Mike, Dave, Nadia, Leah, Carol, Debby Match Report by Andy Final Score: Croydon 3 10 vs 14 Pelham 1There were no Croydon scorers in this game.Submitted by on 06 Nov 05Croydon KC3 v Pelham KC Croydon 3 took on an experienced Pelham 1 side on Sunday, looking to take the points from the side who were only one place above them in the table. With a couple of third team regulars called up to play for the seconds, the Croydon side was slightly changed from it's normal layout, but this didn't stop them from fighting for the win. Pelham started out with one player missing but Croydon couldn't quite manage to capitalise on their advantage and it soon became clear that there were some very sharp shooters in the Pelham side who would have to be closed down if Croydon were to take the lead. On several occasions Croydon put together some excellent attacking moves, but failed to finish off by putting the ball in the basket at the end of them, leaving their defence under pressure to mark out tight. Pelham on the other hand, when given the space, slotted home their goals, and this was to prove the main difference between the two sides. Going into half time the score was 6-3 to Pelham. As Croydon came out after the break though, they tried some different defensive marking which seemed to work, and allowed the attack more time to score. The gap between the two teams narrowed to a single goal and the tension mounted. As the second half drew to its conclusion, both teams were still battling to open up a convincing lead. A few lapses in concentration and some tired legs in the Croydon team enabled Pelham to get a couple of crucial goals, and from there they found the lead and didn't let up. Final score 14-10 to Pelham. Team: Lorraine, Chris, Judi, Steph, Mike, Dan, Greg, Pat Croydon KC4 v North Downs KC2 This was going to be a tough match from the start, with a more experienced North Downs side, some of whom have played in North Downs National League side in the past. The Croydon side was its usual mix of age and youth, experience and potential. There was a return to the side for the experienced Carol Allen, and the up and coming junior Naida Hanine, both of whom have not been in the side for many weeks. There was also a place for London Bronco's assistant Rugby League coach, and ex-Croydon club coach Dave Rotheram, returning from rugby training in Australia. 4th team regulars, Debby Holland, Mike Etheridge and Chris Etheridge were joined by recent newcomer to senior korfball, Leah Palfreyman, another one to watch out for in the future. Dan Pratt rounded off the team, stepping in to fill the gap, when a 4th 4th team boy couldn't be found (Dan then went on to play in the third team straight after!) The first half saw Croydon struggle to find their feet, with shots going agonisingly close, but just not going in. Collection was lacking on a number of occasions leading to one shot attacks and extra pressure on the defence. North Downs shooting was on form, and they punished the Croydon team's lack of experience with several running in shots, and veering movements. Going into the half time break, the Croydon team could be forgiven for letting their heads go down, but this wasn't the case. Early in the second half a few shots started to go in, and the team rallied. Nadia started to show real aggression as she refused to let her player get any easy balls and blocked out the feed on many occasions to prevent running in shots from the opposition boys. Leah stepped up a gear, and marked her player close stopping her from shooting, whilst Carol and Debby worked tirelessly around the basket, to collect the shots, and out front, to take their own shots. With the attack managing to hold onto the ball for longer the defence were able to concentrate their efforts more and were rewarded by several "defended" decisions in their favour. Youth player Chris Etheridge managed to find his range, and the target, slotting home a couple of great long shots. With his speed, and some more practise he should now be looking to get running collects, and shots off the rebound as well as his long shots. The score in the second half was a very respectable 7-4 (to North Downs), giving an overal final score of 17-5 to the visitors. Team: Dan, Chris, Mike, Dave, Nadia, Leah, Carol, Debby Match Report by Andy Final Score: Croydon 4 5 vs 17 North Downs 2There were no Croydon scorers in this game.Submitted by on 06 Nov 05
Croydon KC3 v Pelham KC Croydon 3 took on an experienced Pelham 1 side on Sunday, looking to take the points from the side who were only one place above them in the table. With a couple of third team regulars called up to play for the seconds, the Croydon side was slightly changed from it's normal layout, but this didn't stop them from fighting for the win. Pelham started out with one player missing but Croydon couldn't quite manage to capitalise on their advantage and it soon became clear that there were some very sharp shooters in the Pelham side who would have to be closed down if Croydon were to take the lead. On several occasions Croydon put together some excellent attacking moves, but failed to finish off by putting the ball in the basket at the end of them, leaving their defence under pressure to mark out tight. Pelham on the other hand, when given the space, slotted home their goals, and this was to prove the main difference between the two sides. Going into half time the score was 6-3 to Pelham. As Croydon came out after the break though, they tried some different defensive marking which seemed to work, and allowed the attack more time to score. The gap between the two teams narrowed to a single goal and the tension mounted. As the second half drew to its conclusion, both teams were still battling to open up a convincing lead. A few lapses in concentration and some tired legs in the Croydon team enabled Pelham to get a couple of crucial goals, and from there they found the lead and didn't let up. Final score 14-10 to Pelham. Team: Lorraine, Chris, Judi, Steph, Mike, Dan, Greg, Pat Croydon KC4 v North Downs KC2 This was going to be a tough match from the start, with a more experienced North Downs side, some of whom have played in North Downs National League side in the past. The Croydon side was its usual mix of age and youth, experience and potential. There was a return to the side for the experienced Carol Allen, and the up and coming junior Naida Hanine, both of whom have not been in the side for many weeks. There was also a place for London Bronco's assistant Rugby League coach, and ex-Croydon club coach Dave Rotheram, returning from rugby training in Australia. 4th team regulars, Debby Holland, Mike Etheridge and Chris Etheridge were joined by recent newcomer to senior korfball, Leah Palfreyman, another one to watch out for in the future. Dan Pratt rounded off the team, stepping in to fill the gap, when a 4th 4th team boy couldn't be found (Dan then went on to play in the third team straight after!) The first half saw Croydon struggle to find their feet, with shots going agonisingly close, but just not going in. Collection was lacking on a number of occasions leading to one shot attacks and extra pressure on the defence. North Downs shooting was on form, and they punished the Croydon team's lack of experience with several running in shots, and veering movements. Going into the half time break, the Croydon team could be forgiven for letting their heads go down, but this wasn't the case. Early in the second half a few shots started to go in, and the team rallied. Nadia started to show real aggression as she refused to let her player get any easy balls and blocked out the feed on many occasions to prevent running in shots from the opposition boys. Leah stepped up a gear, and marked her player close stopping her from shooting, whilst Carol and Debby worked tirelessly around the basket, to collect the shots, and out front, to take their own shots. With the attack managing to hold onto the ball for longer the defence were able to concentrate their efforts more and were rewarded by several "defended" decisions in their favour. Youth player Chris Etheridge managed to find his range, and the target, slotting home a couple of great long shots. With his speed, and some more practise he should now be looking to get running collects, and shots off the rebound as well as his long shots. The score in the second half was a very respectable 7-4 (to North Downs), giving an overal final score of 17-5 to the visitors. Team: Dan, Chris, Mike, Dave, Nadia, Leah, Carol, Debby Match Report by Andy Final Score: Croydon 3 10 vs 14 Pelham 1There were no Croydon scorers in this game.Submitted by on 06 Nov 05Croydon KC3 v Pelham KC Croydon 3 took on an experienced Pelham 1 side on Sunday, looking to take the points from the side who were only one place above them in the table. With a couple of third team regulars called up to play for the seconds, the Croydon side was slightly changed from it's normal layout, but this didn't stop them from fighting for the win. Pelham started out with one player missing but Croydon couldn't quite manage to capitalise on their advantage and it soon became clear that there were some very sharp shooters in the Pelham side who would have to be closed down if Croydon were to take the lead. On several occasions Croydon put together some excellent attacking moves, but failed to finish off by putting the ball in the basket at the end of them, leaving their defence under pressure to mark out tight. Pelham on the other hand, when given the space, slotted home their goals, and this was to prove the main difference between the two sides. Going into half time the score was 6-3 to Pelham. As Croydon came out after the break though, they tried some different defensive marking which seemed to work, and allowed the attack more time to score. The gap between the two teams narrowed to a single goal and the tension mounted. As the second half drew to its conclusion, both teams were still battling to open up a convincing lead. A few lapses in concentration and some tired legs in the Croydon team enabled Pelham to get a couple of crucial goals, and from there they found the lead and didn't let up. Final score 14-10 to Pelham. Team: Lorraine, Chris, Judi, Steph, Mike, Dan, Greg, Pat Croydon KC4 v North Downs KC2 This was going to be a tough match from the start, with a more experienced North Downs side, some of whom have played in North Downs National League side in the past. The Croydon side was its usual mix of age and youth, experience and potential. There was a return to the side for the experienced Carol Allen, and the up and coming junior Naida Hanine, both of whom have not been in the side for many weeks. There was also a place for London Bronco's assistant Rugby League coach, and ex-Croydon club coach Dave Rotheram, returning from rugby training in Australia. 4th team regulars, Debby Holland, Mike Etheridge and Chris Etheridge were joined by recent newcomer to senior korfball, Leah Palfreyman, another one to watch out for in the future. Dan Pratt rounded off the team, stepping in to fill the gap, when a 4th 4th team boy couldn't be found (Dan then went on to play in the third team straight after!) The first half saw Croydon struggle to find their feet, with shots going agonisingly close, but just not going in. Collection was lacking on a number of occasions leading to one shot attacks and extra pressure on the defence. North Downs shooting was on form, and they punished the Croydon team's lack of experience with several running in shots, and veering movements. Going into the half time break, the Croydon team could be forgiven for letting their heads go down, but this wasn't the case. Early in the second half a few shots started to go in, and the team rallied. Nadia started to show real aggression as she refused to let her player get any easy balls and blocked out the feed on many occasions to prevent running in shots from the opposition boys. Leah stepped up a gear, and marked her player close stopping her from shooting, whilst Carol and Debby worked tirelessly around the basket, to collect the shots, and out front, to take their own shots. With the attack managing to hold onto the ball for longer the defence were able to concentrate their efforts more and were rewarded by several "defended" decisions in their favour. Youth player Chris Etheridge managed to find his range, and the target, slotting home a couple of great long shots. With his speed, and some more practise he should now be looking to get running collects, and shots off the rebound as well as his long shots. The score in the second half was a very respectable 7-4 (to North Downs), giving an overal final score of 17-5 to the visitors. Team: Dan, Chris, Mike, Dave, Nadia, Leah, Carol, Debby Match Report by Andy Final Score: Croydon 4 5 vs 17 North Downs 2There were no Croydon scorers in this game.Submitted by on 06 Nov 05
Croydon KC3 v Pelham KC Croydon 3 took on an experienced Pelham 1 side on Sunday, looking to take the points from the side who were only one place above them in the table. With a couple of third team regulars called up to play for the seconds, the Croydon side was slightly changed from it's normal layout, but this didn't stop them from fighting for the win. Pelham started out with one player missing but Croydon couldn't quite manage to capitalise on their advantage and it soon became clear that there were some very sharp shooters in the Pelham side who would have to be closed down if Croydon were to take the lead. On several occasions Croydon put together some excellent attacking moves, but failed to finish off by putting the ball in the basket at the end of them, leaving their defence under pressure to mark out tight. Pelham on the other hand, when given the space, slotted home their goals, and this was to prove the main difference between the two sides. Going into half time the score was 6-3 to Pelham. As Croydon came out after the break though, they tried some different defensive marking which seemed to work, and allowed the attack more time to score. The gap between the two teams narrowed to a single goal and the tension mounted. As the second half drew to its conclusion, both teams were still battling to open up a convincing lead. A few lapses in concentration and some tired legs in the Croydon team enabled Pelham to get a couple of crucial goals, and from there they found the lead and didn't let up. Final score 14-10 to Pelham. Team: Lorraine, Chris, Judi, Steph, Mike, Dan, Greg, Pat Croydon KC4 v North Downs KC2 This was going to be a tough match from the start, with a more experienced North Downs side, some of whom have played in North Downs National League side in the past. The Croydon side was its usual mix of age and youth, experience and potential. There was a return to the side for the experienced Carol Allen, and the up and coming junior Naida Hanine, both of whom have not been in the side for many weeks. There was also a place for London Bronco's assistant Rugby League coach, and ex-Croydon club coach Dave Rotheram, returning from rugby training in Australia. 4th team regulars, Debby Holland, Mike Etheridge and Chris Etheridge were joined by recent newcomer to senior korfball, Leah Palfreyman, another one to watch out for in the future. Dan Pratt rounded off the team, stepping in to fill the gap, when a 4th 4th team boy couldn't be found (Dan then went on to play in the third team straight after!) The first half saw Croydon struggle to find their feet, with shots going agonisingly close, but just not going in. Collection was lacking on a number of occasions leading to one shot attacks and extra pressure on the defence. North Downs shooting was on form, and they punished the Croydon team's lack of experience with several running in shots, and veering movements. Going into the half time break, the Croydon team could be forgiven for letting their heads go down, but this wasn't the case. Early in the second half a few shots started to go in, and the team rallied. Nadia started to show real aggression as she refused to let her player get any easy balls and blocked out the feed on many occasions to prevent running in shots from the opposition boys. Leah stepped up a gear, and marked her player close stopping her from shooting, whilst Carol and Debby worked tirelessly around the basket, to collect the shots, and out front, to take their own shots. With the attack managing to hold onto the ball for longer the defence were able to concentrate their efforts more and were rewarded by several "defended" decisions in their favour. Youth player Chris Etheridge managed to find his range, and the target, slotting home a couple of great long shots. With his speed, and some more practise he should now be looking to get running collects, and shots off the rebound as well as his long shots. The score in the second half was a very respectable 7-4 (to North Downs), giving an overal final score of 17-5 to the visitors. Team: Dan, Chris, Mike, Dave, Nadia, Leah, Carol, Debby Match Report by Andy Final Score: Croydon 4 5 vs 17 North Downs 2There were no Croydon scorers in this game.Submitted by on 06 Nov 05
