Match Report: UEA III v Norwich City U16

Norwich City U16's	1:5	UEA III
		Fay(2) Richard Gareth Rob

Once again the third team geared up to play the almighty Norwich City… wait for it… U16’s team. Now as a wise old man who goes by the name of Everett once wrote, the history of korfball itself was thoroughly rewritten last time these two sides met on the field of play. February 17th 2008 will be remembered as a day on which UEA III finally kicked their young counterparts to the wayside on the road to victory.

The team went into the match with a large sense of optimism given ever improving performances individually and as a team, and as such looked to confirm this with a solid result. City had to begin the match with only three boys and the thirds fully intended to capitalise. The opening saw confident play in both attack and defence, with the attacking division stringing together dazzling displays of passing, as well as calm heads in patient build up, resulting in an aesthetic masterpiece of the sports world in Fay Parsons – Hann in a brace of scores from mid range within ten minutes of the start of play. The majority of this half became largely a stalemate, with UEA staying in control, Richard Pope keeping the scoreboard ticking over in a well timed attempt at goal following good ball control by the attacking division, whilst in the final five minutes of the half Norwich City finished on a high, scoring from close range. Although the scores seemed fairly convincing, those who played on that fateful day at CNS may have felt history had a distinct possibility of repeating itself following City’s end of half renaissance.

The second half saw UEA take to the court with the intention of destroying the chances of a revival in Norwich City. Quick thinking and opportunism saw Gareth Newman feed to Rob Bloomer for a casual basketball style score. It seems he will never learn. Gareth then followed this up himself with clever work to build the score. UEA III 5- Norwich City 1. Once the division switched following the two scores, UEA could dare to dream that they had finally, inexorably and unstoppably climbed to the summit of what they had produced thus far, and this confidence held the score until the final whistle.

For the first time this season (to my limited knowledge) UEA III had defeated Norwich City U16’s. The development to this stage has been long and at times hard, yet the performance on this day showed a true class in the developmental side. Assured performances came from all players, a true pleasure to behold as the team played with confidence and skill, while playing a passing game that raised the tempo beyond that of which the City players were able to contend with. The final score was entirely justified as UEA III ran out clear winners in all respects.

On a slightly unnecessary point which I have been asked to make, UEA actually won anyway by default as the team played against had several older and more experienced players in their side, which to this writer’s mind makes the win even more enjoyable. Anyway enough of these useless comments, UEA III with another win, climbing to the heights of greatness. Well done to all, and once again thanks the Jess and Swaraj for stirring, inspirational speeches, sound tactical advice and whatnot.

Thanks to Rob for writing the report!