Highbury 2's 4th game of the season saw a convincing 12 - 3 win over Croydon. It was a game we should have won and gave us an opportunity to keep practising and developing our playing style. Stuart had set us a challenge of scoring over 10 points so it was pleasing to be able to meet that challenge.
The first half saw Highbury stretch to a 7-1 lead. We used our clear height advantage and as ever were sold in defence and more patient than usual in attack. Collects were understandably achieveable and so this gave us a good opportunity to beat our opposition defenders through one on one moves or working in pairs.
The second half was a bit more of a scrappy affair with Croydon battling for everything they could and it not quite clicking for Highbury but this will come with time and more practice.
In the end the promising elements were confidence boosting hat tricks for both NIcc and Kim, Shah with his customary couple of clever goals around the post, useful additions from both James and Rach who eached scored a goal after coming on in the second half and I managed to get a clean running in shot (thanks Rach!) and can I now claim a 100% scoring record in free passes in my entire Korfball career (only practised a couple of times before the start whistle with Gawain!)....shame I missed about twenty easy shots in gameplay!
Anyway, Highbury 2 now have a record in the league of played 4, won 2, drawn 1 and lost 1...unbeaten in last 3 league games now (that's my positive spin on our record!) so where doing better than Liverpool in the Premier League so can we all keep telling Gordan that!
Onwards and upwards.....I want to at least qualify for the Europa League this season!
Deals
Friday, 4 December 2009
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Highbury 2 - EKA cup round 1 by Specky
On Sunday the 2nd team met at Victoria station at some un-godly hour of the morning (well 8.45 to be exact!) for the short train trip to Chatham in Kent for the EKA cup's first round. For those who haven't heard of the EKA cup it is Korfball's equivalent of the FA cup.
On arriving in Kent we were met with a combination of heavy rain and no taxis to get us to the venue. After resolving this we finally got to the venue and warmed up prior to the first game of the day, Mitcham 2 vs Tornadoes. This was a closer match than expected and was good to allow Shah to plan how we would line up against Mitcham in the second game. At the end of regular time it was 7-7 and as results were required the game went to a penalty shoot out. While Tornadoes missed a penalty in the shoot out, Mitcham soaked up the pressure better and didn't miss any, winning the game.
This led to a 10 minute break before we took the court to play Mitcham 2 in the second game of the day in the round robin format. Shah won the toss and selected to attack first so that we set out. The first couple of minutes passed without any scores and a couple of nervous passes before the goals started going in. Goals were traded throughout the first half and while I don't remember the half time score exactly, some good passages of play from both divisions, and Edith filling her pockets we went to the break in front. After an inspirational talk from Shah we kicked off the second half better than the first going ahead through some good shooting from Thomas, Mark, Olga, and Shah, as we out-played and out-shot Mitcham. Gaining the ascendency early we then closed out the last quarter by retaining the ball, taking quality shots and the defensive division allowing only one shot attacks, which Mitcham were powerless to overcome. The final score was 8 - 5, with the goals coming from Shah (2), Olga, Edith (3), Mark and Thomas, for a very confident and deserved win in the end.
After celebrating the victory for about 30 seconds our focus was sharpened by Shah who quickly brought us down to earth reminding us that we needed to back-up and play Tornadoes to go through to the next round. Unfortunately though as we got straight back onto court to play Tornadoes we saw a different side that played Mitcham earlier. Tornadoes had obviously sat through the previous match planning how they would take the attack to us as they started strongly. We went goal for goal with them for the first part of the first half, but then with a couple of un-answered goals and getting used to a new ref (who had just come off the court from the Mitcham side we beat...) we went into the break two goals down but still in the game. We knew that we needed to win or at least lose by no more than 3 to go through to the next round but unfortunately it was Tornadoes who came out more attacking in the last half, shooting their way to a comfortable lead then defending this lead to close out the game. Shah's division was the more successful in attack for us with Shah, Olga (2) and Rach all scoring, while only Edith down the other end was able to score. The final score was 5 - 11.
While this loss meant we didn't progress through to the next round we can certainly take some great positives out of the day. Beating Mitcham 2 has drawn a line under the minimum level of peformance we should be aiming for in the seconds and the debut in the seconds for Caroline, were definite positives. Caroline soaked up all the advice given through the train trip and on court to display a very good peformance for her experience, holding her own against players much more experienced, especially from Mitcham. Other positives was the second half shooting peformance from the team against Mitcham and the ruthless closing out of the game including a strong defence throughout.
There is always next year!
Specky
On arriving in Kent we were met with a combination of heavy rain and no taxis to get us to the venue. After resolving this we finally got to the venue and warmed up prior to the first game of the day, Mitcham 2 vs Tornadoes. This was a closer match than expected and was good to allow Shah to plan how we would line up against Mitcham in the second game. At the end of regular time it was 7-7 and as results were required the game went to a penalty shoot out. While Tornadoes missed a penalty in the shoot out, Mitcham soaked up the pressure better and didn't miss any, winning the game.
This led to a 10 minute break before we took the court to play Mitcham 2 in the second game of the day in the round robin format. Shah won the toss and selected to attack first so that we set out. The first couple of minutes passed without any scores and a couple of nervous passes before the goals started going in. Goals were traded throughout the first half and while I don't remember the half time score exactly, some good passages of play from both divisions, and Edith filling her pockets we went to the break in front. After an inspirational talk from Shah we kicked off the second half better than the first going ahead through some good shooting from Thomas, Mark, Olga, and Shah, as we out-played and out-shot Mitcham. Gaining the ascendency early we then closed out the last quarter by retaining the ball, taking quality shots and the defensive division allowing only one shot attacks, which Mitcham were powerless to overcome. The final score was 8 - 5, with the goals coming from Shah (2), Olga, Edith (3), Mark and Thomas, for a very confident and deserved win in the end.
After celebrating the victory for about 30 seconds our focus was sharpened by Shah who quickly brought us down to earth reminding us that we needed to back-up and play Tornadoes to go through to the next round. Unfortunately though as we got straight back onto court to play Tornadoes we saw a different side that played Mitcham earlier. Tornadoes had obviously sat through the previous match planning how they would take the attack to us as they started strongly. We went goal for goal with them for the first part of the first half, but then with a couple of un-answered goals and getting used to a new ref (who had just come off the court from the Mitcham side we beat...) we went into the break two goals down but still in the game. We knew that we needed to win or at least lose by no more than 3 to go through to the next round but unfortunately it was Tornadoes who came out more attacking in the last half, shooting their way to a comfortable lead then defending this lead to close out the game. Shah's division was the more successful in attack for us with Shah, Olga (2) and Rach all scoring, while only Edith down the other end was able to score. The final score was 5 - 11.
While this loss meant we didn't progress through to the next round we can certainly take some great positives out of the day. Beating Mitcham 2 has drawn a line under the minimum level of peformance we should be aiming for in the seconds and the debut in the seconds for Caroline, were definite positives. Caroline soaked up all the advice given through the train trip and on court to display a very good peformance for her experience, holding her own against players much more experienced, especially from Mitcham. Other positives was the second half shooting peformance from the team against Mitcham and the ruthless closing out of the game including a strong defence throughout.
There is always next year!
Specky
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Highbury 1 in a Winning Mode Again - by Olga
The hard work during the trials and Stuart’s training sessions paid off last Sunday. Highbury 1 travelled to the Deep South to play Croydon 2 and picked up a 12:8 victory.
When we arrived at the sports hall of the Royall Russel School for the 5.45 pm start, we were welcomed by Sammy boy and Sammy girl, who happened to be in London, and came to support us from the sidelines. Stuart could not make it this time, so Sammy boy kindly agreed to coach us through the match, which proved to be an essential ingredient of the victory.
The first Highbury attack; Moses (c), Neil, Niccola and Olga started with a slight hesitation and did not manage to score before the opposition did. Fortunately, hereafter the scoring opportunities of Croydon diminished and a the Highbury attacks resulted in Neil’s equaliser. Straight after the change of roles, an eager Croydon girl scored with a long shot, which left Highbury catching up again. Luckily, the attack of Julia, Ben and Edith under the lead of Fergus smoothly produced the next equaliser - Ben’s long shot.
The rest of the first half was a close game ending 3:3 with some brilliant defence by Fergus’ division and slowly improving attack by Moses’ division, which got occasionally distracted by the Croydon boys dropping off.
The half time team talk by Sammy boy revolved around keeping up our effective defence and capitalising on the weaknesses of one of the Croydon girls. Before we knew, we were back on the pitch, full of energy and pepped up by Sam’s advice.
In the second half, the Highbury defence remained strong and allowed the attackers to take time and experiment. Sammy boy’s advice to set it up for the girls was easier said than done, and the one-shot attacks by Olga and Niccola did not produce any goals. Following the male instinct, Moses and Neil took the attacking reign and supported by the girls, brought Highbury closer to the victory, scoring some amazing goals.
Fergus’ division effortlessly thrashed their opponents both in attack and in defence. It was a pleasure to watch them play. (Poor Ben Hale must have been torn between the feeling of growing frustration with his Croydon teammates and the feeling of pride in Highbury 1 players, who he co-coaches.)
With a comfortable lead Highbury became more and more hungry for goals, which brought an unnecessary rush and loss of the ball possession. Luckily, Sammy boy picked upon this and took a time out to remind us that time was on our side. In the remainder of the game Highbury showed some intelligent, controlled korfball against weaker opponents. The subs Sheep and Gawain came on with fresh energy in the last minutes to consolidate the result.
When we arrived at the sports hall of the Royall Russel School for the 5.45 pm start, we were welcomed by Sammy boy and Sammy girl, who happened to be in London, and came to support us from the sidelines. Stuart could not make it this time, so Sammy boy kindly agreed to coach us through the match, which proved to be an essential ingredient of the victory.
The first Highbury attack; Moses (c), Neil, Niccola and Olga started with a slight hesitation and did not manage to score before the opposition did. Fortunately, hereafter the scoring opportunities of Croydon diminished and a the Highbury attacks resulted in Neil’s equaliser. Straight after the change of roles, an eager Croydon girl scored with a long shot, which left Highbury catching up again. Luckily, the attack of Julia, Ben and Edith under the lead of Fergus smoothly produced the next equaliser - Ben’s long shot.
The rest of the first half was a close game ending 3:3 with some brilliant defence by Fergus’ division and slowly improving attack by Moses’ division, which got occasionally distracted by the Croydon boys dropping off.
The half time team talk by Sammy boy revolved around keeping up our effective defence and capitalising on the weaknesses of one of the Croydon girls. Before we knew, we were back on the pitch, full of energy and pepped up by Sam’s advice.
In the second half, the Highbury defence remained strong and allowed the attackers to take time and experiment. Sammy boy’s advice to set it up for the girls was easier said than done, and the one-shot attacks by Olga and Niccola did not produce any goals. Following the male instinct, Moses and Neil took the attacking reign and supported by the girls, brought Highbury closer to the victory, scoring some amazing goals.
Fergus’ division effortlessly thrashed their opponents both in attack and in defence. It was a pleasure to watch them play. (Poor Ben Hale must have been torn between the feeling of growing frustration with his Croydon teammates and the feeling of pride in Highbury 1 players, who he co-coaches.)
With a comfortable lead Highbury became more and more hungry for goals, which brought an unnecessary rush and loss of the ball possession. Luckily, Sammy boy picked upon this and took a time out to remind us that time was on our side. In the remainder of the game Highbury showed some intelligent, controlled korfball against weaker opponents. The subs Sheep and Gawain came on with fresh energy in the last minutes to consolidate the result.
Mitcham 3 - Highbury 4
The first match of the season saw the 3rds travel to windy Mitcham for the debut of two new Highbury Members, Hannah Bishop and Greg Linton.
After a quick warm up the thirds laid out against a loud Mitcham home side eager to get behind their team following on from a win for Mitcham 1 against Bec 1.
Attacking first were Captain Alun, Morven, Greg & Hannah with Sian, Ellie, Simon & Brett in defence. A strong defence from Brett’s end with lots of interceptions and collects enabled Alun’s division to get used to passing the ball around with some good collecting from Greg. Unfortunately Mitcham’s experience and the relative newness of the Highbury team, combined with the fact that most of the Highbury players hadn’t played with each other before meant our attack fell down in some of the movement and passing. Despite some great shooting moves from Alun and a high work ethic from everyone we went 2:0 down, but we came back with a simple & effective short shot from Brett before the break. We went into the break at 3:1 a scoreline that wasn’t too intimidating. Back on the pitch after halftime, we started to play a bit more frantically though; with everyone aware of the clock ticking down, our shooting & passing become more panicked and we began to give away more balls to the opposition. However, there was some great movement in Brett’s division which ultimately led to the second goal. It began with Simon passing across the front of the division and running into collect (as we’d practiced on Thursday) followed by a couple of passes before a super shot from a veer about 3m out from the post by Brett. GOAL! A move to make coach Stuart proud (who was coincidentally watching for the balcony). The match ended 6:2, but with some strong defence work, collecting and fighting spirit from Highbury and some good shooting opportunities. Sian especially, held her own against a fast player and provided a strong collect and interceptions throughout the match. Hannah also did very well, facing an aggressive player who made her feelings known & who wasn’t going to give Hannah any let up. Well done for getting through it. Overall a tough match to start with, which gave us the chance to blow the cobwebs away, start working with new divisions and introducing two new people to the game we all love to play (or watch if you’re me : (. There is some great potential for the upcoming season, with defence already looking good and some clear bases on which to strengthen our attack and provide more shooting chances (and more actual goals!)
After a quick warm up the thirds laid out against a loud Mitcham home side eager to get behind their team following on from a win for Mitcham 1 against Bec 1.
Attacking first were Captain Alun, Morven, Greg & Hannah with Sian, Ellie, Simon & Brett in defence. A strong defence from Brett’s end with lots of interceptions and collects enabled Alun’s division to get used to passing the ball around with some good collecting from Greg. Unfortunately Mitcham’s experience and the relative newness of the Highbury team, combined with the fact that most of the Highbury players hadn’t played with each other before meant our attack fell down in some of the movement and passing. Despite some great shooting moves from Alun and a high work ethic from everyone we went 2:0 down, but we came back with a simple & effective short shot from Brett before the break. We went into the break at 3:1 a scoreline that wasn’t too intimidating. Back on the pitch after halftime, we started to play a bit more frantically though; with everyone aware of the clock ticking down, our shooting & passing become more panicked and we began to give away more balls to the opposition. However, there was some great movement in Brett’s division which ultimately led to the second goal. It began with Simon passing across the front of the division and running into collect (as we’d practiced on Thursday) followed by a couple of passes before a super shot from a veer about 3m out from the post by Brett. GOAL! A move to make coach Stuart proud (who was coincidentally watching for the balcony). The match ended 6:2, but with some strong defence work, collecting and fighting spirit from Highbury and some good shooting opportunities. Sian especially, held her own against a fast player and provided a strong collect and interceptions throughout the match. Hannah also did very well, facing an aggressive player who made her feelings known & who wasn’t going to give Hannah any let up. Well done for getting through it. Overall a tough match to start with, which gave us the chance to blow the cobwebs away, start working with new divisions and introducing two new people to the game we all love to play (or watch if you’re me : (. There is some great potential for the upcoming season, with defence already looking good and some clear bases on which to strengthen our attack and provide more shooting chances (and more actual goals!)
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Friday, 6 March 2009
Next - MRL games
Knights v MK Bucks v Highbury
Saturday April 4th 1-4PM @ CNS
1pm - Knights vs MK Bucks (Highbury ref)
2pm - MK Bucks vs Highbury (Knights ref)
3pm - Highbury vs Knights (MK Bucks ref)
Vikings v Lions v Highbury
Sunday 19th April - 17:00-20:00 City Ely Community College, CB6 2SH
17.00 Vikings v Lions (Highbury Ref)
18.00 Lions v Highbury (Vikings Ref)
19.00 Highbury v Vikings (Lions Ref)
Highbury v Birmingham v Knights
17th May 2009 @ The Score[5]
12.00-15.00
Highbury v Birmingham (ref:Knights)
Birmingham v Knights (ref:Highbury)
Knights v Highbury (ref:Birmingham)
Saturday April 4th 1-4PM @ CNS
1pm - Knights vs MK Bucks (Highbury ref)
2pm - MK Bucks vs Highbury (Knights ref)
3pm - Highbury vs Knights (MK Bucks ref)
Vikings v Lions v Highbury
Sunday 19th April - 17:00-20:00 City Ely Community College, CB6 2SH
17.00 Vikings v Lions (Highbury Ref)
18.00 Lions v Highbury (Vikings Ref)
19.00 Highbury v Vikings (Lions Ref)
Highbury v Birmingham v Knights
17th May 2009 @ The Score[5]
12.00-15.00
Highbury v Birmingham (ref:Knights)
Birmingham v Knights (ref:Highbury)
Knights v Highbury (ref:Birmingham)
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