UEA Tournament Report

UEA’s korfball club contributed a quarter of the teams for the tournament billed as ‘a warm up for nationals’ with Norwich Knights defeating Sheffield Hallam in the final.

A dubious group draw saw UEA’s fourths take on arguably the most talented sides in the tournament, including the best team in Norfolk and a European dream team comprising of the cream of Dutch and English korfballer players. Unsurprisingly, this meant that after the group stage they had played three, lost three and failed to score whilst also managing to concede an incredible 21 goals, which considering they had only spent slightly more than 30 minutes on court, was some achievement.

The third team’s results mirrored those of the fourths, although they were also dealt a tough hand, as they came up against three teams from Division One in the Norfolk leagues. Perhaps the highlight of the tournament came when UEA’s thirds did battle with the fourths and a cry of ‘party ball’ from Amanda Halliday led to a mass on court boogie, which Coach Phil, and referee for the match, even saw the funny of. The thirds were to emerge victorious, to secure 14th spot whilst defeat for the fourths meant that they had lost every game, and for some who had partaken in the forgettable football tournament the day before, winning was merely a distant memory.

Fortunately UEA’s top two teams restored some parity; the firsts claiming fifth position after victory over Norwich Knights’ second team in their penultimate match while the seconds defeated Kent University 2-1 in their final match to finish a creditable 11th place.

The final was a keenly contested affair between Norfolk’s best side and BUSA national favourites. There were goals aplenty in the fifty minute final with Norwich Knights overcoming their Sheffield Hallam 8-3. Meanwhile, in the third placed playoff Norwich Ice defeated Cambridge University by a fine margin, 4-3.

The evening was perhaps the most enjoyable part of the tournament for most. The Disney themed social certainly seemed to draw the outfits, as we saw a wide cross section of characters past and present. Famous faces such as Minnie & Mickey were on show, while more obscure characters such as Elizabeth Swan from Pirates of the Caribbean turned up to the party with the killer of Bambi’s mum even making an appearance.

Tournament organiser and first team player Jess Pryor, who was appropriately dressed as the mad hatter, seemed pleased with the smooth running of the weekend’s events, ‘I was very happy with the outcome of the tournament, as a lot of hard work went into the organisation and I'm pleased to say there were no hiccups.

Pryor was also keen to thank to all of the people helping out on the day, adding, ‘there was some good feedback from all of the teams saying how much they'd enjoyed the day.’

‘Unlike most tournament organisers I'd happily do it all again!’ I’m sure all would agree we’d do well to find a better home tournament secretary.

Thanks to Harry Low for writing the report!