Reading qualify for the Nationals!
The BSKA Southerns are the traditional preliminary round before the nationals take place in the new year. This year they took place in the far flung and rather snowy Norwich. In total 9 teams were in attendance looking for one of the 8 spots at the nationals.
First up was holders Birmingham – always going to be a tough game, but out of the way at least. Next up was Oxford Uni – well known to us after many meetings in the local league – a very close game that finished 4-3 to them. Following on from this we needed a win, and up against new boys Gloucester we managed to secure 7 goals for a decisive win.
A loss to Kent followed before we managed to salvage a draw with Cardiff which was a fair result in the end. The match against Bristol stood out as an excellent team performance and a real nailbiter. Some excellent goals from at least 4 different players helped to secure us a big lead (7-3 at one point), however they kept plugging away and grabbing goals here and there. With minutes to go they got within a single goal and some great defence managed to keep them at bay for the final few minutes, 7-6 to us – phew. A loss in a close game against holders UEA left Cambridge as our last match. Some tactical spying from the balcony by our Ex Cambridge coach highlighted their weaknesses and gave us a strategy for the match. The tactics paid off and a very close game ensued, with Bristol cheering from the balcony to try and ensure we won to ensure the table was in their favour! In the end it finished a 2-2 draw.
All in all an excellent performance, the improvement through the day was solid and showed great hope for the nationals next year. A 7th place finish was a good result.
Girls: Beth W, Beth L, Hannah, Emma, Fran
Boys: Elliot (c), Blaggy, Steve, Jack, Dave
Coaches: Lucy and Stu
Reading Knights Korfball Club 
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