Match Rerport: Norwich City V v UEA III

Norwich City V	3:4	UEA III
		Nicola Harry Ian(2)

That’s right, don’t adjust your screen. After nearly two months of toil and epic struggle, UEA thirds finally secured their first win of the season, rather fittingly against the same opponents they played in their debut match.

Confidence was high in the UEA camp right from the beginning, as Norwich struggled to assemble a team (they started the match with only two girls on the court) and the thirds made a tremendous start with an early goal from Nicola supplemented by a further basket courtesy of Harry. At the change around, everyone in attendance was shocked on two fronts by coach Phil, firstly because of the skin-tight shirt he was sporting and secondly because he put up a tremendous shot from near the centre circle that dropped in like a peregrine falcon swooping down on its unsuspecting mouse prey (enough of the metaphors now…). However, his shot was very nearly matched by another long range effort from our very own version of Jimmy Seymour, Mr Ian Durrant. If he keeps scoring those kinds of baskets then we’re going to fall out through jealousy on my part.

Continuing the crazy scoring first half, the teams changed over again and the thirds were stunned by resurgence on the part of Norwich City. Within the space of a couple of minutes, they’d managed to claw themselves back to level-pegging at 3-3 and the teams once again changed divisions. We were now nearing half time and weariness was certainly taking its toll. However, just before the whistle, Ian decided that he was going to be the first third team member to score two goals in a game and looped another inspired shot in from mid-court. That was that in terms of the first half.

Two substitutions at half time saw Adam and Harry depart, to be replaced by The Pope and Matt. You’d be forgiven for thinking that the match was going to turn into a goal-fest in the second half, after seeing no fewer than seven shots score in the first period. You’d be wrong though, because there was no further scoring at all. Some tremendously resolute defending from Richard, Merry, Nicola and Rob kept Norwich City at bay, whilst the horrendously unlucky attacking half might as well have been playing with cling film firmly stretched over the basket, as every shot they put up seemed to find a way of not going in. A scary last minute of the match almost saw an equalising basket for Norwich, but the thirds held firm and registered their second positive result in as many weeks.

Once again we must thank our tremendous coaches, Jess and Swaraj, for their know-how and I’d also like to mention our two debutants, Rob and Merry, who performed brilliantly in their first ever korfball match. I’m sure they’ll be a staple of the third team in many matches to come.

Thanks to Adam Everett for writing the report!