Magic Korfball - Blog

Leicester turned up to this one in new team shirts, but the question was whether that would give them the extra energy boost required to compete with the mighty Wizards. The first half was fairly one-sided, with Wizards dominating the possession and shot count. Mark S scored the first goal with a penalty before one was conceded at the other end, but this was followed by goals for Magic from debutant Chris S and Amanda to make it 3-1 at half time. It could have been more with the peppering that the poor

Wizards: Gem, Mair, Mark S, Tom E, Vicky, Amanda (Sarah T 30), Marko B (Damski 45), Adie This was always going to be a tough game, but Wizards got off to a great start, scoring an early goal and keeping the score at 0-1 for a while. After that, most of the game was a blur to me (partly due to the lighting); however there were a few notable moments:

• ‘Faster-than-a-speeding-bullet’ Adie scoring two
• ‘Crack shot’ Mark S bagging two
• ‘Cracked body’ Marko B twisting an ankle (Magic Curse strikes again).
• Goals for Vicki, Marko B & Damski

The game finished 12-7 – not a bad goals ratio against the top team in the league. Tom Evans, Captain, Magic Wizards.

Wizards: Tom E, Chris H, Hannah G, Amanda V, Mark S, Andy O (Adie H 30), Gem F, Sarah C The last time these two teams met, it was Wizards’ second game ever. That match was a convincing win for the students, so this was Wizards’ chance to show how much they had improved. 

The game started slowly, with good defence from both teams keeping the score at 0-0 for quite a while before the scorer finally got to show off his skills. After advice from Coach Damski, Hannah got free and ran in the opener. The rest of the half remained tight, but Nottingham Uni’s star player managed to pop in an equaliser towards the end of the half. Following half time, Wizards were looking to increase the shot count, and it soon paid off, with an Adie Special running in shot. Hard work from Gem, Sarah and Adie then helped Mark to drop off his defender and pop in an impressive 3-1 goal, and this quickly became 4-1 as Tom scored from a rebound. It was now a case of holding out for the last 15 minutes, and there were a few butterflies when Nottingham Uni’s star man made it 4-2. Wizards were still playing well, however, continuously learning (including quite a few new rules!), and keeping their composure to close the game out. 

This first win of the season was well-deserved, and showed that the Wizards have developed a much more solid and consistent game.  Many thanks to those who played this late game, especially Gem, who was working at 5 a.m. next day! Tom Evans, Captain, Magic Wizards.

The EKA cup featured Magic All Stars, Croydon 2 and Cambridge korfball clubs.

The start of the “triangular” cup matches was delayed due to the most extravagant children’s party running late and therefore occupying Bilborough well into the scheduled start. Think Fun House, think Noel’s House Party and think jelly and ice cream. That’s the scene that greeted us!

Anyway, the korf action got underway with All Stars taking on a strong Cambridge team in the first game. Cambridge went straight on the offensive and their movement and speed of passing was a real test for the less experienced All Stars and the initial pressure eventually paid for Cambridge as they took an early lead. It was soon 2-0 after that and it was clear that All Stars were in for a tough challenge to get back on terms. However, we pulled one back shortly after with a long shot from Mark which gave the home team a much needed lift. Only minutes later All Stars got their second goal with a nice running in shot from Ania.

The first half flew by with some end to end stuff, but the quality of the offensive play by Cambridge was clear to see. By the end of the first 20 minutes it was 10-2 to the away team.

An inspiring team talk from coach Helen gave All Stars renewed confidence and the chance to re-group and despite it looking unlikely that a victory would be forthcoming, the team went back onto the court with determination to score a few goals!

Andy replaced Mark for the second half and only minutes later Damski was forced to limp off with a suspected calf injury. Adie came on to replace him. With Damski using frozen fruit to ease the pain, his words of encouragement showed as All Stars played some nice stuff but without managing to add to their 2 goals in the first half. Cambridge continued to press and they were rewarded with an additional 6 goals.

The final whistle went and Cambridge had won by 16-2. All Stars had put lots of effort in but were undone by some very good attacking moves and a solid defence but once again, the effort that All Stars showed could not be doubted.

After a much needed break, All Stars stepped onto the court for their final game of the day against Croydon 2 knowing that Cambridge had won both games and that progression to the next round was now unlikely!

The game started at a frantic pace and Croydon took an early lead with a long shot. All Stars looked far more composed in their attack and were playing some nice four zero and soon levelled the game with Mark producing another long range goal. Some noisy support from the sidelines helped gee the team up further! Goals were added again by Croydon but Nick pulled one back late in the first half.

The second half saw Andy and Rebecca introduced into the action and their impact was almost immediate with both marking their All Stars debuts will well taken goals.

With All Stars starting to look tired and Croydon already comfortably in the lead, the game finished 14-4 to the away team.

It was a great experience for All Stars and a very proud moment for the club making it’s debut in the EKA Cup. The challenge for next year is to progress to the next round.

By Mark Blinston, Captain of Magic All Stars

Starting a game at 21.15 is not easy, however Voodoo were ready to take on Nottingham City 3 at their home ground. We arrived to watch the end of the All Stars game, which Andy, Sarah, Adie and Robbie had been asked to play in due to lack of numbers. Once that game ended on a draw the rest of us; Amy, Becks, Nick, Amanda and myself warmed up, while eyeing up the opposition. We did not recognise most of them so were unsure of their ability, however we were feeling fairly confident after last weeks victory and as Damski said, “its our turf!” The whistle blew and the game was under way. In attack was myself, Nick, Robbie and Amy. In defence were Adie, Andy, Amanda and Becks. Voodoo started with the ball, after a good round of passing we unfortunately gave away possession and Nottingham

The final score was 5-5, which was a fair result as both teams were well matched. Robbie and Amanda were really good team players in this match, going in for collect and giving others a chance to shoot. Each game we are improving dramatically and I feel we are developing as a team; an undefeated team at that! Well done Voodoo, onwards and upwards!

By Lex Holt-Garner, Captain of Voodoo Magic

I was feeling very positive for my first match as Captain of Voodoo, with a strong team alongside me, consisting of Andy, Adie, Robbie, Bryan, Amy, Amanda and Becs, I had a feeling we were going to perform well. Especially with the support of Damski as coach and Elly Bray as cheerleader! Our previous game against the Magic Wizards was a successful win, so confidence was high as we approached the game.
 
This confidence was shaken slightly when viewing the opposition; the female Captain of Nottingham City is about 6ft 3in and towered over me throughout the game! However as soon as play got underway, the strength of our team shone through and it was clear we were in it to win it! With the first goal scored by Andy much cheering ensued and the whole team upped their game. The opposition equalised and ends were changed; this perhaps wasn’t going to be as easy as first thought. 
 
Halftime; one all, we were so eager to win; one goal was all that was needed. Damski gave a stirring speech and we were all still very positive. 
 
Our defence was particularly effective in the second half;  with Andy on excellent form in collect. Voodoo kept possession of the ball for most of the game. Attack was also strong and creative; with lots of running in shots. Amy then scored 
the second goal for Voodoo with a well taken shot. The atmosphere was great, we were winning at  City’s home, victory was in our grasp and we were never going to let it slip from that point on. Amy doubled her tally and Adie got his name on the scoresheet to leave the final score: 4-2 to Voodoo! 
 
As a team we improved throughout the game and listened to Damski’s advice, we supported each other and everyone should be very proud of themselves. Onwards and upwards for the next game!

By Lex Holt-Garner, Captain of Voodoo Magic

Hello and welcome to the shiny new Magic Blog!

This is the place for match reports and general Magical ramblings. Simply Blogtastic!

 Amy (”,)

Magic Website Administrator