Croydon Korfball Club - Korfball in South London | Super Friendly and Competitive Sport

Croydon end season with positive performance against Tornadoes

The final match of the season saw Croydon take on Tornadoes in what was a very entertaining match!

First attack: Andy, Steve, Kim and Kathy.
First defence: Nigel, Zu, Hannah and Laura.
Referee: Chris West (He gets a special mention because his comments throughout the game had us all giggling on the sideline - quotes to follow!!)

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Tornadoes took an early lead scoring 3 goals before Andy answered to make the score 3-1. Two goals from tornadoes and a change of ends saw Andy popping in another two in a row!! 5-3 to tornadoes.

There were 3 free passes awarded to Croydon in the first 15 minutes and a fair amount of appealing from the Tornadoes players - Cue #refquote number one.... "it's a hard life"

Tornadoes managed to double their score but Nigel brought an end to their streak with a long shot - 10-4. There were some fantastic attacks with some unlucky bounces before Andy converted a penalty and Stephen scored a very pretty mid-range shot with a move off the back making this whole korfball thing look very easy!

A penalty was awarded and the inevitable tornadoes complaint followed (#refquote "Thank you for your input") Stevie Gee sunk it and then scored another long shot to conclude the first half with the scoreline at 17-8. This was a great improvement on last week's first half in which the team scored just one goal.

The second half started with a tornadoes goal quickly followed by a fab shot from Nigel who scored under immense pressure. A tornadoes foul: #refquote "as always your contribution is welcome. Penalty blue". Andy confidently stepped up to the mark. He shot and the bench watched in slow motion as the ball balanced on the rim of the korf before rolling back into the basket to bring the score to 19-10. Double digits!

Another seven goals from Tornadoes and Andy scored his sixth and final goal of the game to match his national league PB and win MVP for the match. Hannah immediately follows with a well deserved goal after some fantastic attacking to bring the score to 26-12.

Some rushed passing out of defence and unlucky shooting meant tornadoes passed the 30 goal mark with no answer from Croydon. Zu employs a new tactic - clothes-lining the opposition. Only joking, of course it was just an accident but it did prompt another #refquote "I appreciate that you're very passionate but...". Zu was having none of it and decided to get his revenge by scoring a beautiful shot from just inside the sideline and it didn't even touch the sides on the way in!

The final goal of the game was another mid distance shot from Stephen about 10 seconds before the whistle. The game finished 34-14 to Tornadoes but boy did Croydon put up a good fight!

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Although I've only been able to watch a handful of games, the determination shown and the progress made by this team over the season has been amazing to watch. A massive well done is due to everyone involved in the first team and to the wonderful coaches Colin, Steve and Paul for their never-ending support and encouragement (and a little-teeny-weeny bit of shouting from the sidelines) throughout the season - thank you!!!

Match Report by Jessica | Updated by Jessica