Goal difference denies Croydon a place in the HSKL A large Croydon squad went to Norwich this weekend for the Champion's Trophy. After finishing 4th in the EKA cup last weekend, the team was hoping to have a good result to move up to the Haven Sports Korfball League for 2011/12 season. The first game of the weekend was an easy win against South West winners Bristol City, but after that, as expected the competition got tougher. Saturday afternoon the team couldn't quite find their rhythm and they lost by 2 goals to young guns Tornadoes who made last year's experience in the Premier League show. Sunday the team was feeling positive and started off with a tough, but fair, game against Manchester Warriors who fielded an experienced team. The goals dropped for Croydon though (especially from the girls' free passes) and the team worked hard to win comfortably, 11-6. Next up were young guns Bearsted who were equally out to do well in the competition. It was all-out-war with a physical game where the teams matched each other goal for goal. Croydon edged ahead for a two goal lead, but as happened many times this weekend penalties were given and the game ended tensely with a draw, 9 all in a low scoring affair. It was disappointing, and with no golden-goal or penalties the promotion places would come down to goal difference. The final game for Croydon was 30 minutes later against Leeds who had proved troublesome in the cup earlier in the season. Croydon were determined though and despite some tired legs they battled through to win 12-7. That was not to be enough though, and Croydon watched Tornadoes and Bearsted have another close game and Bearsted went through on goal difference. With three wins and a draw from five games, Croydon can look back on a positive weekend. Although it is disappointing not to gain promotion this year, the team has progressed individually and collectively throughout the season, and will no doubt already be eyeing up next year's Champion's Trophy and the Haven Sports Korfball League. Story by Jane | Updated by Andy · 15 years ago
