News

Korfball New Zealand’s first National Provincial Championship of 2009 saw the host and current champion Canterbury emerge unbeaten and in pole position to defend their title.

In a smaller tournament than those of last year, four teams are competing: Auckland, a combined Wellington/Counties Manukau team and A and B teams from Canterbury.

The latter met in the first match of the day, with the A team showing their superiority against their younger and less-experienced colleagues for a comfortable win.

Second up, the two visiting teams met in a North Island tussle that was even for much of the first half, before Auckland eased away in the second, using their speed, cohesion and korfball craft to good effect.

Playing two games in a row, Auckland then took on the Canterbury B team, achieving a more convincing win, taking advantage of some naïve defence by their younger opponents to make the bulk of their goals through running-in shots and penalties. Despite their second loss, Canterbury B nevertheless put together some good attacking moves, dealt more effectively with their nerves and achieved good success from the free passes they were awarded.

Next up, Wellington/Counties Manukau took on the hosts, and stepped up a notch from their earlier match for a very even contest. The North Islanders clawed back a four goal deficit through some excellent distance shots and timely interceptions, but they just failed to tip over the champion, who were relieved to take the win thanks to two late goals.

Backing up themselves for the final match of the day, Canterbury A showed much better composure and some impressive shooting accuracy to take an early lead against Auckland. This time they didn’t let it slip, dictating terms and playing the game at their own pace. Auckland threatened and occasionally chipped away at Canterbury’s lead, but could not assert control. They will be hoping to do better if they can earn another chance against the reigning champion tomorrow in what ought to be the tournament final, if today’s form is continued.

However, first they will each have to overcome a semi-final hurdle.

Canterbury B and Wellington/Counties Manukau, both without a win, will play the last of the round robin fixtures first thing tomorrow morning, followed by semi-finals and play offs. Canterbury A, having achieved top spot in the round robin, will play the fourth place holder, while second placed Auckland will face the winner of tomorrow’s first match in the other semi final.

Round robin results from today:
Canterbury A 19 Canterbury B 5
Auckland 11 Wellington/Counties Manukau 5
Auckland 18 Canterbury B 6
Wellington/Counties Manukau 8 Canterbury A 10
Canterbury A 17 Auckland 11