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

Croydon 1 dominate against Highbury 1

Croydon travelled up to Highbury for the last league game of the season. Although Croydon had already qualified for the Champions Trophy the squad were keen to show that they were the dominant first team in the London Regional League.

The game almost didn't even get off the starting blocks as, for the second week running, Croydon found itself with no referee. Last week both Croydon 2 and 4 had no referee show up, but, after consultation with Highbury, top International Referee Paul Jeanes offered to give up his coaching role for the match, and referee instead, just so the match could go ahead.

Captain Nigel Hudspith teamed up in first defence, with Vernon Ellis, Susan Baker and Anna Jeanes, whilst in first attack were Grace Stimpson, Julia Johnston, Zak Omar and Dan Pratt.

Croydon started well with a fine drop off from Pratt. Highbury responded with a drop off of their own though, and the game was on! Hudspith and Ellis then scored from way our wide to show that they meant business. Again Highbury replied but could only manage 1 goal before Pratt restored the 2 goal lead.

In defence both teams were pushing hard, but Croydon were fired up after their win in the EKA Cup the previous day and were all over their opponents, in the bright but small confines of St Augustine's. Highbury found the basket again but it was Croydon who were having the best of the shots, scoring the next 3, through a Jeanes' long shot, a Stimpson runner, and a Pratt long-un.

Highbury weren't giving up, and came back to within 2 goals. Croydon turned up the pressure though and through some wonderful team work and precision passing, they pulled away again (Jeanes from down town, Stimpson drew a penalty, converted by Pratt, Ellis turned in the feed, Omar dropped a long one, Eliis from mid-distance again). The half ended with Jeanes scoring from a free pass, after a foul on Hudspith. Half-time: 7-13.

The scoring slowed down in the second half, but the pressure did not. This lead to more penalties being awarded in Croydon's favour. Of the 6 penalties awarded in the 2nd half, Croydon scored 4. The other 3 of Croydon's goals of the half came from a Jeanes' runner, and goals from 2nd half subs James (Luke) and James (Karen).

All in all, Croydon will be pleased with the way they played today, especially on the back of yesterday's cup win. Team work was good, as was defensive pressure.

Match Report by Anna | Updated by Zuton

Final Score: Highbury 1 11 vs 20 Croydon 1