Australian Club Championships 2013
Day 1
After an early rising (3am for most of us), a flight from Christchurch to Melbourne and a day spent exploring the Australian city; it was finally time for the Korfball to start.
The day started with a 40-minute walk to the stadium on a chilling clear Melbourne morning for the 30+ intrepid Korfers from Christchurch. For the seniors, I long challenging game loomed with four 40-minute games against the Aussies while the U16 had a day of games, coaching and learning from watching the A-Grade games.
Game 1 vs. Adelaide Boomers
The game started with the shock we expected. Korfball being played at a level of intensity, physicality and accuracy that many of our Korfers who had not played at international level before had never experienced.
Unfortunately, despite knowing this was going to happen, coping with this was more difficult than expected. We had difficulty around the post, particularly in rebound where the more physical Boomers we able to control the game. Consequently, their superior experience allowed them to keep the score board regularly ticking over throughout the game.
We were fortunate to have the technical assistance of Korfball NZ coach Mark Garrett and after a few sharp words at half time there was a much-improved performance in the second half.
Boomers were comfortable 19-7 winners in the baptism with much to work on for the Canterbury side.
Game 2 vs. North Adelaide Roosters
With an hour a half between games, there was little time for the Canterbury time to dwell on the previous result but it was important for us to take some key lessons into game two. We resolved to focus on developing our rebounding, effective use of court space and general communication.
It was a slow start for both teams and when Loralee Pope sank an arching long short five minutes in, the scores we level at 1-1. Increased defensive pressure from the Canterbury side allowed them to hustle the more experienced opposition into mistakes. The difference between the two sides in the first half was more accurate shooting from the Australians allowing them to take an 11-6 lead into half time.
With the team energised and enthusiastic following their first half, the second half was our best half of Korfball yet. Combinations were finally starting to click and scoring opportunities more frequent. Unfortunately despite the improvements, the first half deficit was too much to overcome, North Adelaide finishing 15-11 winners.
Game 3 vs. Arista-Marion
The game against last year’s champions loomed as another tough challenge. The Canterbury team, buoyed with confidence from the previous game started strongly forcing the side from Adelaide into a number of infringements around the post. The resultant penalties were converted with Canterbury leading 5-3 midway through the half. The experience of the opposition slowly took its toll and Arista finished the half 7-5 ahead.
The second half was equally as competitive with the Canterbury team continuing to learn valuable lessons from their opponents to develop our own game. Substitutions from the Arista side, combined with superior shooting accuracy eventually allowed them to run out 19-9 winners over a Canterbury side whose legs were getting heavier after a long day at the courts.
Game 4 vs. Baccus Marsh
Baccus Marsh, the only Victorian team in the competition, was always going to be a tough prospect for our side after three tough games. As we were the only team with four games today, this was a game we had to hit the court with all the energy we had left.
Baccus Marsh, with a couple of very experienced former top Australian players, proved that experience is crucial as bodies tire. The short turn around between games and the number of games played through the day meant the Victorians were able to dominate early and open up a seven-goal gap very quickly. As our bodies and brains warmed to the situation, the flow of opposition goals stemmed but our accuracy on attack was below the level achieved in the previous two games. Baccus Marsh was eventually comfortable 16-7 winners.
The Summary
The good, the average and the ugly is probably the best way to sum up our day. Sometimes this was all condensed into one game, one half or even a five-minute period. With many lessons learned today the team are excited to challenge ourselves again tomorrow in our final two games. With our goals focused around improving our focus across the whole game, improving our awareness of what is happening around us on court and generally improving our accuracy another fun day of Korfball awaits.
A big Thank You to our U16’s for all their support, chanting and enthusiasm. No doubt there will be a few raspy voices tomorrow but you energy keeps us inspired.
Day 2
The challenge for day 2 was to implement the lessons learned in day 1 to allow our performance levels to continue to rise and fulfill our goals for the weekend.
Game 5 vs. Glenelg
Glenelg were still in with a chance of making the final and were full of experience with a number of
Australian representatives in their ranks. Canterbury, were looking to remove a number of small errors from our game to give a more complete on court performance.
The game started relatively evenly with both teams pressuring each other into errors at both end of the
court. We were creating a number of scoring opportunities but the “glad wrap over the basket”syndrome was again haunting us with the goals just not dropping. Glenelg were able to keep their side of the scoreboard ticking over with some more accurate shots and smart work of attack around the korf, taking a 9-6 lead into half time.
The second half was a lean one for both teams. Defensive pressure from both teams was high and it seemed the effects of a tough first day for both teams was taking its toll. Canterbury struggled to score for the first 12 minutes of the second half, allowing Glenelg to sneak out a bigger margin. Missed penalties also proved costly for the southerners, with three missed during the game. Canterbury eventually started scoring but too late in the game, leaving Glenelg to register a 15-10
win.
Game 6 vs. Sydney City Redbacks
Both teams were winless but both teams were still having a great time and enjoying the weekend of challenging Korfball. This game was always going to be about who had the stamina and
consistency to push through another 40 minutes of Korfball. Both teams had also had significant performance improvements over the weekend and were looking to continue this to finish on a good note.
Our Achilles Heel continued to haunt us early on in the game with a number of missed short shots looking like it would stifle chances in the game. Sydney on the other hand were looking sharper, scoring a number of good long shots early. We were unable to close this early deficit in the first half despite scoring a few good goals of our own, finishing the half down by three but still creating some good on court play.
With the Sydney team beginning to tire, Canterbury rolled out the substitutions in the second half. After
trading goals early, the Canterbury side slowly started to peg back the deficit. With two minutes left in the half, James Johnston was open from 4 four metres and confidently drained his attempt to tie the scores at 11-11. No further goals were scored in the final frantic two minutes and normally this would have been the end of the game for a round-robin match. Both teams however agreed to play golden-goal to decide the outcome.
For those of you non-Korfball folk, golden goal works like this: There is a coin toss where the winner will
choose to attack or defend first. If during the first attacking possession the team scores, the opposition will be given the opportunity to also attack from a possession. If they score this process continues until one team is unable to score before the ball has been taken possession of at the other end of the court. At this point it is next goal wins.
If the first attack does not score and the ball is moved to the other end of the court, the game is live and first goal wins.
Golden goal started with Sydney in possession but they were unable to convert an early free pass chance. Canterbury took possession in our attacking half, making it first goal wins. Spencer Te Pou (having a reputation in scoring golden goals already) missed his first running in chance but solid rebounding then allowed him to follow up with an open seven metre shot 15 seconds later which he calmly converted and maintain his ‘Golden Goal’ title and give the Canterbury side their first win 12-11.
The Summary
As expected, this was a much-needed eye-opening experience for many of our Korfballers. For a few of our side, the Asia Oceania Korfball Championships looms in 2014 where the NZ side will be looking to qualify for the World Championships. Valuable lessons have been driven home about the level of physicality, accuracy and intensity required when playing outside our on country. The challenge will be to maintain the momentum gained from this experience to drive and motivate the team to greater Korfball heights, while above all else continuing to have fun and thoroughly enjoy what we are doing with Korfball. If we were not enjoying it, why would we bother doing it?
A Side Note
During this weekend our U16 Canterbury side was also in Melbourne involved with a development weekend. They have been the most amazing supporters with loud voices and inspired chants.
These players are our Korfball future in New Zealand and the senior side relished the chance to return the support the juniors had shown us when the U16 side took on an Australian junior selection on centre court. It was very inspirational watching this team play and to see just how far they have developed, not only through the training and games this weekend, but also right from day 1 when most of them were just enthusiastic Korfball novices. The Australian side proved too strong in the game but the Canterbury team must feel proud of their performance with some very good play which will provide a
platform for their, and New Zealand’s, long term Korfball development.
After an early rising (3am for most of us), a flight from Christchurch to Melbourne and a day spent exploring the Australian city; it was finally time for the Korfball to start.
The day started with a 40-minute walk to the stadium on a chilling clear Melbourne morning for the 30+ intrepid Korfers from Christchurch. For the seniors, I long challenging game loomed with four 40-minute games against the Aussies while the U16 had a day of games, coaching and learning from watching the A-Grade games.
Game 1 vs. Adelaide Boomers
The game started with the shock we expected. Korfball being played at a level of intensity, physicality and accuracy that many of our Korfers who had not played at international level before had never experienced.
Unfortunately, despite knowing this was going to happen, coping with this was more difficult than expected. We had difficulty around the post, particularly in rebound where the more physical Boomers we able to control the game. Consequently, their superior experience allowed them to keep the score board regularly ticking over throughout the game.
We were fortunate to have the technical assistance of Korfball NZ coach Mark Garrett and after a few sharp words at half time there was a much-improved performance in the second half.
Boomers were comfortable 19-7 winners in the baptism with much to work on for the Canterbury side.
Game 2 vs. North Adelaide Roosters
With an hour a half between games, there was little time for the Canterbury time to dwell on the previous result but it was important for us to take some key lessons into game two. We resolved to focus on developing our rebounding, effective use of court space and general communication.
It was a slow start for both teams and when Loralee Pope sank an arching long short five minutes in, the scores we level at 1-1. Increased defensive pressure from the Canterbury side allowed them to hustle the more experienced opposition into mistakes. The difference between the two sides in the first half was more accurate shooting from the Australians allowing them to take an 11-6 lead into half time.
With the team energised and enthusiastic following their first half, the second half was our best half of Korfball yet. Combinations were finally starting to click and scoring opportunities more frequent. Unfortunately despite the improvements, the first half deficit was too much to overcome, North Adelaide finishing 15-11 winners.
Game 3 vs. Arista-Marion
The game against last year’s champions loomed as another tough challenge. The Canterbury team, buoyed with confidence from the previous game started strongly forcing the side from Adelaide into a number of infringements around the post. The resultant penalties were converted with Canterbury leading 5-3 midway through the half. The experience of the opposition slowly took its toll and Arista finished the half 7-5 ahead.
The second half was equally as competitive with the Canterbury team continuing to learn valuable lessons from their opponents to develop our own game. Substitutions from the Arista side, combined with superior shooting accuracy eventually allowed them to run out 19-9 winners over a Canterbury side whose legs were getting heavier after a long day at the courts.
Game 4 vs. Baccus Marsh
Baccus Marsh, the only Victorian team in the competition, was always going to be a tough prospect for our side after three tough games. As we were the only team with four games today, this was a game we had to hit the court with all the energy we had left.
Baccus Marsh, with a couple of very experienced former top Australian players, proved that experience is crucial as bodies tire. The short turn around between games and the number of games played through the day meant the Victorians were able to dominate early and open up a seven-goal gap very quickly. As our bodies and brains warmed to the situation, the flow of opposition goals stemmed but our accuracy on attack was below the level achieved in the previous two games. Baccus Marsh was eventually comfortable 16-7 winners.
The Summary
The good, the average and the ugly is probably the best way to sum up our day. Sometimes this was all condensed into one game, one half or even a five-minute period. With many lessons learned today the team are excited to challenge ourselves again tomorrow in our final two games. With our goals focused around improving our focus across the whole game, improving our awareness of what is happening around us on court and generally improving our accuracy another fun day of Korfball awaits.
A big Thank You to our U16’s for all their support, chanting and enthusiasm. No doubt there will be a few raspy voices tomorrow but you energy keeps us inspired.
Day 2
The challenge for day 2 was to implement the lessons learned in day 1 to allow our performance levels to continue to rise and fulfill our goals for the weekend.
Game 5 vs. Glenelg
Glenelg were still in with a chance of making the final and were full of experience with a number of
Australian representatives in their ranks. Canterbury, were looking to remove a number of small errors from our game to give a more complete on court performance.
The game started relatively evenly with both teams pressuring each other into errors at both end of the
court. We were creating a number of scoring opportunities but the “glad wrap over the basket”syndrome was again haunting us with the goals just not dropping. Glenelg were able to keep their side of the scoreboard ticking over with some more accurate shots and smart work of attack around the korf, taking a 9-6 lead into half time.
The second half was a lean one for both teams. Defensive pressure from both teams was high and it seemed the effects of a tough first day for both teams was taking its toll. Canterbury struggled to score for the first 12 minutes of the second half, allowing Glenelg to sneak out a bigger margin. Missed penalties also proved costly for the southerners, with three missed during the game. Canterbury eventually started scoring but too late in the game, leaving Glenelg to register a 15-10
win.
Game 6 vs. Sydney City Redbacks
Both teams were winless but both teams were still having a great time and enjoying the weekend of challenging Korfball. This game was always going to be about who had the stamina and
consistency to push through another 40 minutes of Korfball. Both teams had also had significant performance improvements over the weekend and were looking to continue this to finish on a good note.
Our Achilles Heel continued to haunt us early on in the game with a number of missed short shots looking like it would stifle chances in the game. Sydney on the other hand were looking sharper, scoring a number of good long shots early. We were unable to close this early deficit in the first half despite scoring a few good goals of our own, finishing the half down by three but still creating some good on court play.
With the Sydney team beginning to tire, Canterbury rolled out the substitutions in the second half. After
trading goals early, the Canterbury side slowly started to peg back the deficit. With two minutes left in the half, James Johnston was open from 4 four metres and confidently drained his attempt to tie the scores at 11-11. No further goals were scored in the final frantic two minutes and normally this would have been the end of the game for a round-robin match. Both teams however agreed to play golden-goal to decide the outcome.
For those of you non-Korfball folk, golden goal works like this: There is a coin toss where the winner will
choose to attack or defend first. If during the first attacking possession the team scores, the opposition will be given the opportunity to also attack from a possession. If they score this process continues until one team is unable to score before the ball has been taken possession of at the other end of the court. At this point it is next goal wins.
If the first attack does not score and the ball is moved to the other end of the court, the game is live and first goal wins.
Golden goal started with Sydney in possession but they were unable to convert an early free pass chance. Canterbury took possession in our attacking half, making it first goal wins. Spencer Te Pou (having a reputation in scoring golden goals already) missed his first running in chance but solid rebounding then allowed him to follow up with an open seven metre shot 15 seconds later which he calmly converted and maintain his ‘Golden Goal’ title and give the Canterbury side their first win 12-11.
The Summary
As expected, this was a much-needed eye-opening experience for many of our Korfballers. For a few of our side, the Asia Oceania Korfball Championships looms in 2014 where the NZ side will be looking to qualify for the World Championships. Valuable lessons have been driven home about the level of physicality, accuracy and intensity required when playing outside our on country. The challenge will be to maintain the momentum gained from this experience to drive and motivate the team to greater Korfball heights, while above all else continuing to have fun and thoroughly enjoy what we are doing with Korfball. If we were not enjoying it, why would we bother doing it?
A Side Note
During this weekend our U16 Canterbury side was also in Melbourne involved with a development weekend. They have been the most amazing supporters with loud voices and inspired chants.
These players are our Korfball future in New Zealand and the senior side relished the chance to return the support the juniors had shown us when the U16 side took on an Australian junior selection on centre court. It was very inspirational watching this team play and to see just how far they have developed, not only through the training and games this weekend, but also right from day 1 when most of them were just enthusiastic Korfball novices. The Australian side proved too strong in the game but the Canterbury team must feel proud of their performance with some very good play which will provide a
platform for their, and New Zealand’s, long term Korfball development.