Korfball on Tour – Ireland at the European Champs
As previously reported, Reading player Lucy Martin was amongst the star studded line up from the all Ireland korfball team that travelled to the European Championships in Rotterdam last week. They were amongst 16 teams vying for top honors and qualification for the worlds in China next year. The supporters tour was also in attendance, cheering the action from the stands as the tournament unfolded. In total around 25 supporters congregated for the home nations games cheering the players on loudly. Bringing a selection of apparatus including horns, whistles, masks, vuvuzelas, and a 9 metre flag pole!
Thats mine! Hands Off
Ireland got off to a shaky start in the group stages losing out to a strong England team and then also in a much closer game against Russia. High drama ensued in the following match against Slovakia which came down to the wire before an equaliser for Ireland in the last 15seconds pushed the game into extra time and victory was sealed through a golden goal. Ireland finished 3rd in their group and won the respect of their hosts and the local fans who turned out in droves to cheer on the most unlikely team in the tournament! There were even write-ups in the national press praising the team for their fair play and friendly attitude.
Onward to the knock out stages held in Rotterdam, and the team was joined by Lucy (late as always!). First up was Serbia, now clearly in their stride Ireland won through convincingly 16-10 and Lucy gained her first cap! . Next up was a physical Hungarian side who muscled their way into an early lead forcing another late comeback. This time it didnt quite workout and Ireland lost out narrowly. The penultimate game was a must win in order to qualify for the World Champs and was against a strong Polish team. Ireland kept on terms but were always just behind, finally losing out 21-18. A appearance for Lucy, although only for 60 seconds this time!
She Shoots...
This all setup a crunch game against Wales. The pressure could not be greater, but it was Ireland who got off to the better start pulling ahead in the early stages. By half time there was only a single goal in it. The second half was just as close and the game was balanced on a knife edge. Lucy had several chances in the closing minutes that came agonisingly close but despite rattling around the korf – wouldn’t quite drop… Sadly the match was lost by a single goal.
Ireland finished an very credible 12th despite being seeded 16th and only narrowly missed out on a world championship spot. All in all a fantastic achievement by the whole team. Also in the side was Clare Woodroffe from nearby Oxford ISIS, Clare chalked up 3 goals but unfortunately also made her name by being the only player in the tournament to be sent off. Fortunately, later investigations fully exonerated her from any wrong doing and exposed the referees mistake. Well done to you both, a great international debut!
Should have been Red for Simons in the final!
Much celebration ensued on Saturday evening and both the team and supporters struggled to make the final. After some dodgy directions everyone just about made it on time for the showdown at the 10,000 seater Ahoy arena. A near capacity crowd watched Holland triumph (again) in a very physical match. Belgium were valiant runners up – and were not that far off producing a sensational upset. Some crucial refereeing decisions may well have gone the other way on a different day and who knows what would have happened. The Dutch were gracious as ever in victory – launching into a pre-planned stage show to the delight of the Dutch supporters and the utter bewilderment of everyone else. Next time Belgium, next time…
Reading Knights Korfball Club 
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