Ahoy. Korfball’s annual Holy Grail event where the top Dutch club teams compete for the title of Landskampion. This year two kiwis, one was New Zealand Korfball mascot Koru, tagged along as part of the DOS ’46 A1 team who were competing in the youth (U19) final against PKC. Read on below for a behind the scenes kiwi perspective on Korfball’s big day out!
After arriving back from Paris less than eight hours earlier, it was time me to join the Dossers from Nijeveen in assembling at De Eendracht to begin our journey to Ahoy, Rotterdam. While the players and management prepared themselves, in the field across from De Eendracht many club stalwarts and supporters were preparing for the annual Rommelmarkt (Flea Market), one of DOS’s most important fundraising events of the year. No doubt it was a tough decision for many of these Dossers to stay in Nijeveen and help run the market for the good of the club instead of heading to Ahoy to support DOS ’46 A1 in their quest to become Landskampion. Their contribution to the club must be heartily acknowledged.
With the team chariot loaded, we departed on our quest for success in Ahoy, supporters waving farewell to the bus from both sides of the street.
The journey itself was a fairly relaxed one, players enjoying a laugh and some of the old boys playing their traditional game of cards on the way. While I think my body would have appreciated a sneaky disco nap or siesta, there was no chance of that as the excitement continued to grow with each rotation of the buses wheels. Nearing Rotterdam we also passed by the home court of our rivals for the day PKC. It must be said however, that both clubs have a great friendship and respect for each other. Then slowly the signs pointing the way to our final destination started appearing, Ahoy looming large over the parks, both grass and car, that surround the building.
Entering the cauldron of Ahoy through the ‘Backstage entrance’, the players had a relaxed but focused aura about them and as usual the medical team of Liena and myself played the pack horse role with all our of gear. Our team dressing rooms were adorned with a sticker of the DOS ’46 playing shirt. Now it was time to put our business socks on, it’s business time.
The team stepped out on to the Ahoy court to get some practice in and calibrate their senses to the Ahoy environment. The stark grey rubber court, bright yellow korfs standing proudly erect at each end, was encased by electronic billboards flashing brightly with the vivid colours of the sponsors. An empty line of chairs on each side of the jury bench sat waiting to be filled with the combatants of the day. Busily scurrying around the hall were the technical staff setting up the light, sound and camera equipment that would turn this day into a spectacle. The three levels of seating towered over the court, awaiting the arrival of the spectators that will fill the vast cavern with a charged atmosphere akin to that of an electrical storm. It was a fascinating insight into the behind the scenes processes that go into setting up and event like this.
In the stands the early DOS ’46 supporters began adding the club banners to those of the other clubs that already adorned various sections of the stadium. The red and black ‘Eendracht Maakt Macht’ (Unity is Strength) proudly hung where the DOS supporters were to be seated behind the player’s bench. The lads kindly added a couple of New Zealand flags into the mix to make a statement about the kiwi presence in Ahoy today. Koru and I made our way out the centre of the court for a few token photo opportunities as who knows when a kiwi will next be able to return to this court. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful for the team of DOS ’46 A1 letting me tag along as part of this amazing day.
With our sights calibrated towards victory, the team stepped outside to soak up some sunshine, fuel up for the game with lunch and just to generally relax the minds ahead of combat.
The faces of the players began to steel in final preparations for the push for revenge from last years loss to the same team in the final. The red and black army of DOS supporters began to swell as the other buses arrived from Nijeveen, and while the supporters were lesser in number than those from PKC, the volume of support from the Dossers was certainly superior.
The lights dimmed in the stadium, supporters rose to their feet and one by one the players were introduced as they ran out on to the Ahoy court. Formalities and high fives over, it was game time.
It was a rather inauspicious start for the team from Nijeveen, giving away a free pass immediately that was dually converted. The deficit was quickly turned into an advantage with two quick goals from DOS but PKC were able to square the ledger at 2-2 after seven minutes. This was the last time in the game that PKC stood level with DOS ’46 as from here the red and blacks boys really started to dominate the game and the rebound at both ends of the court. DOS ’46 created many multiple shot attacks while PKC were regularly limited to a single scoring attempt before a DOS player pocketed a defensive rebound. For the next 15 minutes goals were hard to come by but DOS, on the back of some good distance shots, built a five goal lead at 3-8. Could DOS hold strong for the rest of the first half? It seemed so when every time PKC scored, DOS would quickly reply and maintain their led until in the final few minutes before half time, just as Fortuna did last week, PKC closed the gap to 9-12 at half time.
Following the break PKC continued their momentum, scoring two goals in the first minute to bring them one goal behind DOS ’46 and add some pressure to the Nijeveen youngsters. The next 10 minutes belonged to the dames from DOS. Throughout the game they had more than matched the stronger female players from PKC and six goals shared between the four DOS ’46 females, including three for Denice De Vries, restored DOS’s five goal advantage from earlier in the match. Harjan Visscher’s goal then countered a one from PKC before Femke Van Zwol extended DOS’s lead to six with less than 14 minutes to play. Only a disaster from here would prevent DOS ’46 from claiming victory. As time ticked away, so did the chances for PKC. DOS continued to control the game with strength around the post and with seven minutes to play, the lead had been extended to seven goals, 15-22. Sven Van Erp substituted in for Jetze De Jong for some highly deserved minutes on the floor in Ahoy after being one of the core players for the team all season. The celebrations had already begun in the stands and on the side of the court by the time PKC scored a couple of consolation goals to narrow the final score to 20-25. At the final whistle, the bench emptied and swamped the players on court in celebrations of wild jumping and hugging, including the kiwis somewhere in the chaos!
As the ecstasy gradually subsided and the deep satisfaction of what the team had achieved set in, it was time to head to the stage for the medal presentation. With each team member draped in a gold medal, on of which will be returning to New Zealand, captain Lisanne Koster hoisted the trophy to the rapturous applause of the crowd and more celebratory chants from the DOS supporters.
After a rollercoaster year for the club this was an important result that continues to bode well for the future of DOS ’46 from the tiny village of Nijeveen. Last time the club claimed the junior title was in 2002. Three years later began the golden years of DOS ’46, claiming three senior national titles from five consecutive Ahoy finals. The future continues to shine bright for DOS ’46. The club has the brains, the talent and the work ethic to return to the Korfball League in the very near future and become a title competitor once again.
The rest of the day in Ahoy celebrating for the DOS ’46 family and enjoying the other two games on offer today, the playoff for third and the final of the Korfball League. By the time the final started, the stands were almost full, somewhere in the vicinity of 9000 spectators. TOP, who had been unbeaten all season, were up against the defending champions PKC. Somehow I managed to be sitting next to the Dutch national hockey coach with the Dutch national Korfball coach next to him. As is common for finals, while still amazing to watch, the quality of the game itself was not as high as many of the regular season games. While the arm wrestle took place on court, there was also another battle happening in the stands with both groups of supporters having a brass band trumpeting away. It was a tough game that TOP controlled from the outset until PKC clawed their way back late in the game at 20-20 with the final minute ticking away, it looked like extra time would be on the cards. Last year PKC won with a goal in the final minute, this time it was the turn of TOP as male player of the match Daniel Harmzen scored to secure the title and an unbeaten season for the team from Sassenheim.
For this kiwi having his first Ahoy experience, this will certain qualify as one of lifes unforgettable days. I will forever be in the debt of DOS ’46 and the team of A1 for providing such an incredible experience. To not only watch the Ahoy finals but to stand on the court and then receive a gold medal on the podium is a unique privilege that is reserved for only a lucky few in the sport each year! I especially enjoyed the lads with their “Bevan in Ahoy” chants and a feel lucky to have been associated with such a great club during my time in the Netherlands.
With a little over a month left before returning to NZ, the junior world cup in next on the agenda as well as enjoying the last of my Dutch Korfball experience.
If you want to watch the full game from Ahoy, check it out on the IKF channel on YouTube via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ74i0avwbA&list=UUtbxyW3dL8S9MM2RHWVCjqg
Tot Volgende Keer,
Lorenzo
After arriving back from Paris less than eight hours earlier, it was time me to join the Dossers from Nijeveen in assembling at De Eendracht to begin our journey to Ahoy, Rotterdam. While the players and management prepared themselves, in the field across from De Eendracht many club stalwarts and supporters were preparing for the annual Rommelmarkt (Flea Market), one of DOS’s most important fundraising events of the year. No doubt it was a tough decision for many of these Dossers to stay in Nijeveen and help run the market for the good of the club instead of heading to Ahoy to support DOS ’46 A1 in their quest to become Landskampion. Their contribution to the club must be heartily acknowledged.
With the team chariot loaded, we departed on our quest for success in Ahoy, supporters waving farewell to the bus from both sides of the street.
The journey itself was a fairly relaxed one, players enjoying a laugh and some of the old boys playing their traditional game of cards on the way. While I think my body would have appreciated a sneaky disco nap or siesta, there was no chance of that as the excitement continued to grow with each rotation of the buses wheels. Nearing Rotterdam we also passed by the home court of our rivals for the day PKC. It must be said however, that both clubs have a great friendship and respect for each other. Then slowly the signs pointing the way to our final destination started appearing, Ahoy looming large over the parks, both grass and car, that surround the building.
Entering the cauldron of Ahoy through the ‘Backstage entrance’, the players had a relaxed but focused aura about them and as usual the medical team of Liena and myself played the pack horse role with all our of gear. Our team dressing rooms were adorned with a sticker of the DOS ’46 playing shirt. Now it was time to put our business socks on, it’s business time.
The team stepped out on to the Ahoy court to get some practice in and calibrate their senses to the Ahoy environment. The stark grey rubber court, bright yellow korfs standing proudly erect at each end, was encased by electronic billboards flashing brightly with the vivid colours of the sponsors. An empty line of chairs on each side of the jury bench sat waiting to be filled with the combatants of the day. Busily scurrying around the hall were the technical staff setting up the light, sound and camera equipment that would turn this day into a spectacle. The three levels of seating towered over the court, awaiting the arrival of the spectators that will fill the vast cavern with a charged atmosphere akin to that of an electrical storm. It was a fascinating insight into the behind the scenes processes that go into setting up and event like this.
In the stands the early DOS ’46 supporters began adding the club banners to those of the other clubs that already adorned various sections of the stadium. The red and black ‘Eendracht Maakt Macht’ (Unity is Strength) proudly hung where the DOS supporters were to be seated behind the player’s bench. The lads kindly added a couple of New Zealand flags into the mix to make a statement about the kiwi presence in Ahoy today. Koru and I made our way out the centre of the court for a few token photo opportunities as who knows when a kiwi will next be able to return to this court. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful for the team of DOS ’46 A1 letting me tag along as part of this amazing day.
With our sights calibrated towards victory, the team stepped outside to soak up some sunshine, fuel up for the game with lunch and just to generally relax the minds ahead of combat.
The faces of the players began to steel in final preparations for the push for revenge from last years loss to the same team in the final. The red and black army of DOS supporters began to swell as the other buses arrived from Nijeveen, and while the supporters were lesser in number than those from PKC, the volume of support from the Dossers was certainly superior.
The lights dimmed in the stadium, supporters rose to their feet and one by one the players were introduced as they ran out on to the Ahoy court. Formalities and high fives over, it was game time.
It was a rather inauspicious start for the team from Nijeveen, giving away a free pass immediately that was dually converted. The deficit was quickly turned into an advantage with two quick goals from DOS but PKC were able to square the ledger at 2-2 after seven minutes. This was the last time in the game that PKC stood level with DOS ’46 as from here the red and blacks boys really started to dominate the game and the rebound at both ends of the court. DOS ’46 created many multiple shot attacks while PKC were regularly limited to a single scoring attempt before a DOS player pocketed a defensive rebound. For the next 15 minutes goals were hard to come by but DOS, on the back of some good distance shots, built a five goal lead at 3-8. Could DOS hold strong for the rest of the first half? It seemed so when every time PKC scored, DOS would quickly reply and maintain their led until in the final few minutes before half time, just as Fortuna did last week, PKC closed the gap to 9-12 at half time.
Following the break PKC continued their momentum, scoring two goals in the first minute to bring them one goal behind DOS ’46 and add some pressure to the Nijeveen youngsters. The next 10 minutes belonged to the dames from DOS. Throughout the game they had more than matched the stronger female players from PKC and six goals shared between the four DOS ’46 females, including three for Denice De Vries, restored DOS’s five goal advantage from earlier in the match. Harjan Visscher’s goal then countered a one from PKC before Femke Van Zwol extended DOS’s lead to six with less than 14 minutes to play. Only a disaster from here would prevent DOS ’46 from claiming victory. As time ticked away, so did the chances for PKC. DOS continued to control the game with strength around the post and with seven minutes to play, the lead had been extended to seven goals, 15-22. Sven Van Erp substituted in for Jetze De Jong for some highly deserved minutes on the floor in Ahoy after being one of the core players for the team all season. The celebrations had already begun in the stands and on the side of the court by the time PKC scored a couple of consolation goals to narrow the final score to 20-25. At the final whistle, the bench emptied and swamped the players on court in celebrations of wild jumping and hugging, including the kiwis somewhere in the chaos!
As the ecstasy gradually subsided and the deep satisfaction of what the team had achieved set in, it was time to head to the stage for the medal presentation. With each team member draped in a gold medal, on of which will be returning to New Zealand, captain Lisanne Koster hoisted the trophy to the rapturous applause of the crowd and more celebratory chants from the DOS supporters.
After a rollercoaster year for the club this was an important result that continues to bode well for the future of DOS ’46 from the tiny village of Nijeveen. Last time the club claimed the junior title was in 2002. Three years later began the golden years of DOS ’46, claiming three senior national titles from five consecutive Ahoy finals. The future continues to shine bright for DOS ’46. The club has the brains, the talent and the work ethic to return to the Korfball League in the very near future and become a title competitor once again.
The rest of the day in Ahoy celebrating for the DOS ’46 family and enjoying the other two games on offer today, the playoff for third and the final of the Korfball League. By the time the final started, the stands were almost full, somewhere in the vicinity of 9000 spectators. TOP, who had been unbeaten all season, were up against the defending champions PKC. Somehow I managed to be sitting next to the Dutch national hockey coach with the Dutch national Korfball coach next to him. As is common for finals, while still amazing to watch, the quality of the game itself was not as high as many of the regular season games. While the arm wrestle took place on court, there was also another battle happening in the stands with both groups of supporters having a brass band trumpeting away. It was a tough game that TOP controlled from the outset until PKC clawed their way back late in the game at 20-20 with the final minute ticking away, it looked like extra time would be on the cards. Last year PKC won with a goal in the final minute, this time it was the turn of TOP as male player of the match Daniel Harmzen scored to secure the title and an unbeaten season for the team from Sassenheim.
For this kiwi having his first Ahoy experience, this will certain qualify as one of lifes unforgettable days. I will forever be in the debt of DOS ’46 and the team of A1 for providing such an incredible experience. To not only watch the Ahoy finals but to stand on the court and then receive a gold medal on the podium is a unique privilege that is reserved for only a lucky few in the sport each year! I especially enjoyed the lads with their “Bevan in Ahoy” chants and a feel lucky to have been associated with such a great club during my time in the Netherlands.
With a little over a month left before returning to NZ, the junior world cup in next on the agenda as well as enjoying the last of my Dutch Korfball experience.
If you want to watch the full game from Ahoy, check it out on the IKF channel on YouTube via the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ74i0avwbA&list=UUtbxyW3dL8S9MM2RHWVCjqg
Tot Volgende Keer,
Lorenzo