The main focus for today was to win our final game of the tournament. We were playing for 9th position, but we were determined to use this game to prove to everyone that we should have been playing for a Top 8 position.
We arrived at the stadium in Leeuwarden nice and early, with plenty of time to get ready and warm up. The players were all in a positive space, happy and excited and the energy in the team was firing.
We arrived at the stadium in Leeuwarden nice and early, with plenty of time to get ready and warm up. The players were all in a positive space, happy and excited and the energy in the team was firing.
Game 8: NZ v Poland - Tournament Game 6
We started off on the back-foot, Poland scored with a penalty goal early in the match, followed by long shot and suddenly, we were 2-0 down. Luckily, we were awarded a free-pass and two penalties for ourselves, which we nailed and we finished the first quarter with a one goal lead (5-4). The team huddled together and reminded each other how important this game was to them and agreed they would all go out and put their heart and soul into the second quarter and that is exactly what they did! The game plan was easy - play their game, get a rebounder in and shoot! Once the team started to do this, everything came together; their shots were sinking and everyone was having fun. The girls were shooting beautifully and Chelsea nailed four in a row! The second half ended and we were 15-7 up. We upped our defensive pressure in the third quarter, after setting a goal that we would not let them score more than 10 goals. We held them out to only scoring 1 goal! Unfortunately during our forth quarter we lost some of that intensity and fire power, but we held onto our lead and we did not give up. New Zealand were very proud of our victory and we all felt that we had proved to everyone what we are capable of.
1st Quarter score: 5-4 to NZ
2nd Quarter score: 15-7 to NZ (10-3)
3rd Quarter score: 21-8 (6-1)
Final Score: 23-10 (2-2)
Points scored by: Talesha (2), Juliet (2), Matt (2), Chelsea (4), Kennedy (4), Boris (4), Sam (5)
1st Quarter score: 5-4 to NZ
2nd Quarter score: 15-7 to NZ (10-3)
3rd Quarter score: 21-8 (6-1)
Final Score: 23-10 (2-2)
Points scored by: Talesha (2), Juliet (2), Matt (2), Chelsea (4), Kennedy (4), Boris (4), Sam (5)
NZ v Poland
After the game, we were able to stay and watch Portugal v England in the 3rd and 4th play-off. There were mixed emotions watching this game, because of course, we came very close to beating Portugal, having played them in Golden Goal. We were reminded of our disappointment, knowing that we could have been there, playing for a Top 4 position. However, we were also able to feel proud knowing that we were just as good as Portugal, who were in a Top 4 position, so we knew that we were good enough to be there. After this play-off game, the team we gifted 200 Euro from the IKF as a thank you for coming to the tournament and the team were able to spend this at the gift-shop at the stadium. Each of the players were able to get a Dutch National T-shirt as a souvenir. We then settled in to watch the Final, between Netherlands and Belgium, which was impressive display of Korfball.
Following this, was the Closing Ceremony, where we were awarded our 9th place position of the tournament. Sam Bennetts, our Captain, also won two very prestigious awards, he was the Top Male Point Scorer in the whole tournament! He also won the award for the most promising upcoming talent (male). We were all VERY proud of him.
Following this, was the Closing Ceremony, where we were awarded our 9th place position of the tournament. Sam Bennetts, our Captain, also won two very prestigious awards, he was the Top Male Point Scorer in the whole tournament! He also won the award for the most promising upcoming talent (male). We were all VERY proud of him.
Sam with his trophies
New Zealand u19 Korfball Team
Final Point Tally of the team for this tournament:
Well done NZ! Scoring a total of 79 goals in total this tournament! Whoop whoop!
Break down of goals scored:
Sam: 23
Boris: 17
Chelsea: 12
Juliet: 8
Kennedy: 6
Ned: 4
Talesha: 3
Matt: 3
Calib: 1
Alastair: 1
Michelle: 1
These are the TRUE scores - IKF records have made a few mistakes. Congratulations to all our players, everyone did amazingly well.
Break down of goals scored:
Sam: 23
Boris: 17
Chelsea: 12
Juliet: 8
Kennedy: 6
Ned: 4
Talesha: 3
Matt: 3
Calib: 1
Alastair: 1
Michelle: 1
These are the TRUE scores - IKF records have made a few mistakes. Congratulations to all our players, everyone did amazingly well.