OUTDOOR LEAGUE WEEK SIX

After weeks of competition, the Blues emerged triumphant despite not playing in the final week. Since the Whites had to win by 12 goals and the Reds by 17 this was not much of a surprise but congratulations to all who represented the Blues.

The 17 goal win failed to become reality for the Reds as they slumped to defeat in their last game.

Meanwhile the Whites got a third of the way to their target of a 12 goal win and with the Blacks yet again starting with penalty goals they had an outside chance. However the game remained very close for long periods, Ean suffering the embarrassment of blam after misjudging how much time he had to put up a shot.

As the blammer i’ve not the best idea how amusing this was but i’m led to believe it was the moment of the tournament for some…

Still, the winning side were the Whites and they finished second on goal difference, last weeks defeat to the Blues deciding their fate.

Final Table

Thanks must go to Helen for arranging something far more fun than the usual pre-season training and also to anybody who managed a team, put out Korf’s and pitch markings or took the plunge into a world of good natured abuse and refereed a game.

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OUTDOOR LEAGUE WEEK FIVE

In a repeat of the first weeks games, the Black team played with some high rated guests and lost on the penalty goals as they started 3-0 down and lost by two goals.

It was however due to a Reds perfomance that belied the low rating of their team and some mid game injury worries although since they were aided by a languid Ant Taylor coaching was it any wonder they won?…

A huge win for the Blues as they finished their campaign on 6 points with only the Reds and Whites able to pip them to the winning post by being victorious in their remaining games by a margin that would top the Blues +18 GD.

For those not keen on maths; the Whites must win by 12 goals and the Reds by 17, so short of a miracle, the Outdoor League Championship looks to be heading to the Blues.

The wooden spoon is still up for grabs between the Green and Black teams but it would need a Green defeat and a Black win with combined results that at the very least cancel out the 2 goal shortfall between the current -11 goal difference of the Blacks compared to the Greens -9 so there will be lots of exciting maths do to come next Monday evening!

Black v White and Red v Green a the final week fixtures.

Table

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AGM

The Nomads AGM took place on Wednesday night and it was pleasing to report on a successful year on all fronts as well as the news that all current committee members will be continuing in their roles for the coming year.

Onwards and upwards.

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OUTDOOR LEAGUE WEEK FOUR

No jazzy score panels this week because my copy of Photoshop has gone funny but after Week 3’s washout it was good  to get back to some Korfball action and the top of the table is now looking very interesting going into next Monday’s games.
Results

Green 7 v Blue 14

Red 8 v White 12

Table

Black v Red and Blue v White next week with the latter being the stand out table toppers tie and the former a chance for the Black team to pick up their first points of their Outdoor League Campaign.

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AWARDS NIGHT WRITE UP IN SOCIAL SECTION

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FLICKR UPDATE!

Lots of new pictures up on the nomadskorf flickr including those from Norwich, the 2009 Nomads Tournament and the End of Season Awards party.

CLICK!

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OUTDOOR LEAGUE WEEK TWO

The Blacks went from narrow losers last week to utterly blitzed this week. A guest appearance from next seasons Dutch import Sytze gave some attacking flair and three goals and with the blacks forced to play Kim Jones as a boy there was only really one side in it.

The Green team arrived with a win under their belts but didn’t have enough to overcome the Whites as they were defeated by three clear goals. The Whites have the chance to keep the pressure on the Blues and Reds next week as they take on a Black team yet to pick up a win.

League Table

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NOMADS TOURNAMENT

Courtesy of our usual arrangement with the weather gods the cataclysmic early morning storms cleared just in time for the famously sunny Nomads Tournament at Cheam Sports Club. As usual a good day was had by all and the Nomads First team came through to win the tournament, defeating Invicta in a hard fought final game to cap the season off in style.

Pictures to follow!

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END OF SEASON PARTY

Friday saw Nomads members come together in very silly hats to celebrate the season just gone and to see who would win the coveted end of season awards. Pictures and award winners will be up when i have them e-mailed to me at editor@nomadskorf.com so all those who had a camera as well as a drink in their hands please get those pictures to me!

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OUTDOOR LEAGUE

The First Outdoor League results are in!

A surprisingly low scoring game that probably owed more to the swirling wind conditions than a lack of shooting ability, the undoubted match highlight was a Peter Banfield long shot after a gap in his playing career longer than some of his team mates lives.

Form is temporary, class is permanent i suppose!

The single goal win puts Lol More’s Reds in a strong position before next weeks ref and talent spotting stint as they go into their break on a high.

Meanwhile Katie Ladd’s Greens held onto an impressive win against a stronger Blacks side handicapped by a 2-0 deficit enforced by their starting line up having too high a combined rating. Those goals turned out to be crucial and despite the experience of the Blacks guest players and the shooting prowess of team manager Joe Olds the Greens took a big win.

Next week sees Blues v Blacks and Greens v Whites clash in what i hope will be more favourable wind conditions!

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END OF SEASON PARTY

Any of you who were in Norwich or read the report below will know that this has been a season to remember for Nomads Korfball Club and to celebrate the promotion season and the various achievements throughout the club this year, there will be a party this Friday at the splendid Cheam Sports Club in Peaches Close.

Music, Senior Awards and Compulsory Silly Hat.

Dress up and get along to see if you’ve won an award or if Terry embarasses himself on the dancefloor!

7:30pm start, if you’ve not had your ticket from Katie you can buy them on the door at the very fair price of £3.

See you all there!

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Yes, after the excitement of promotion we have the excitement of the Nomads Outdoor League replacing Club Training. The teams have been drawn and the rules are up in the relevant section of the website which you can find by clicking the banner above.

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GOING UP, UP, UP!
In what can only be described as the joyful culmination of a years hard graft, Nomads bounced back into the National League at the first attempt, winning every game that decided promotion and only falling to a last minute goal in the Champions Trophy Final.

The squad travelled up to Norwich on Friday and a relaxing night of swimming and jacuzzi sessions calmed nerves and cleansed souls ahead of the most important weekend of the season.

It would feature the first ever meeting between Birmingham City and Nomads, the slaying of a Dragon and crushing of fading powers and upcoming ones. It would also have drama, sweat, tears and some bloody exciting Korfball.

BRUM-PED OFF

Yes, the bad puns are back!

The weekend started in the second hall of UEA’s brilliant Sportspark and it started very well, 6-0 up after ten minutes with Birmingham being overwhelmed by the intensity of the start and the tenacity of the defending they faced. By half time it was 11-2 and Nomads cruised through to a 16-4 win, looking confident and assured.

Birmingham are an athletic outfit and they move the ball around well but the quality in the shooting wasn’t quite there and the experience of Nomads was always likely to prevail.

DRAGONS SLAYED

Cardiff Dragons were up next and the Welsh side struggled to get near Nomads for much of the game and until they sank a long shot in the second half it looked like they would be stuck on nil all game.

As it was Nomads ran out 14-2 winners, highlighting the strength of their region over the others who could boast little top level experience in their sides.

Onwards then, into what the league structure would suggest would be the first real test of the day against the National Leagues bottom side…

CROY-DOWN

To put this game into a little perspective, the winner of each pool played the second placed team in the other pool and the winner of that game would be in the National League so this game was to decide whether we played Norwich Knights for our National League place or Tornadoes.

Neither game would be easy but with two victories over Tornadoes in the league this season the preference was very much beat Croydon and play Tornadoes for a spot in the National League.

The enormity of the game played out in the first half with Nomads not hitting the scoring heights they would expect but they held on to the key stat at half time, the one that said Nomads 4 Croydon 3.

The second half though saw a huge change in the game, with Nomads storming through with style and determination that really highlighted the hard work that has gone into this season, set moves working, individual champagne moments and an emphatic final score of 13-4 to Nomads.

Croydon were left having to defeat Norwich Knights to hold onto their National League spot, Nomads knew a win over the Buckland led Tornadoes would see them back where they wanted to be.

A quiet night in and for some, a distinct lack of sleep followed as Nomads went to bed knowing they were 40 minutes of Korfball away from what they’d came for.

Monday night, Wednesday night, Sunday game, over and over from late last summer till now, all for one game.

THE BIG MATCH

The first half followed the tense pattern that had been evident in many games over the weekend, a low scoring nervy start, punctuated by penalties. Nomads racked up more goals from the penalty spot than from open play but took a 5-2 lead into half time.

A quick turnaround and Nomads continued to hold their lead as Tornadoes young side fought their way back in and in the closing minutes had it down to 8-6 and with only the ref knowing quite how long was left it took a last second Nomads goal to calm the nerves, cheer the crowd and send Nomads back into the National League.

HAVING A JT MOMENT…

The post match melee of tears, hugs and relief will live long in the memory for all at Nomads. With so many of us being one club players from Juniors to now and with so much shared emotion and experience among the squad (not one player left after relegation so all knew both the sinking feeling and now the promotion feeling) it had the air of togetherness that make us all want to be a part of Nomads and of course it had the air of success and how sweet that air smells!

AFTER THE LORD MAYORS SHOW

The idiosyncracies of the Champions Trophy format left Nomads and Knights (Who had defeated Croydon to regain their NL spot) playing a final game for trophy that meant very little in comparison to the National League place just won.

However the damp squib that may have been expected did not occur and the crowd got a taste of what to expect when Nomads and Knights meet as equals in the National League next season with a thrilling end to end game that was only won in the final minute.

9-8 to Knights and an unbeaten season just nabbed from the boys and girls in red but with the Bucks Fizz and Liebfraumilch out, nobody really minded.

FINAL WORD

From Coach Jax and Brian “The Tactician” Carswell, through every member of the squad that travelled and those that didn’t, from the trip organisers and form fillers Cara & Amy, to the people who spent their hard earned cash coming simply to cheer on the club they love, it was a fantastic end to a season that has changed more than just our league status, but also our style of play, the level of ability and perhaps most importantly, our mental approach towards both the game and the needs of a squad.

There is so much to be proud of and such a good base to build on for next season.

COME ON YOU REDS!

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NEWEST RECRUIT!

Charlie James Ellis had the good form to turn up nice and early before the Champions Weekend, weighing it at 6lbs 4oz and making his debut 16.18pm this Sunday.

Congratulations from all at Nomads to Andrea and Vernon and no doubt Charlie will put his fine Korfballing pedigree to good use in the coming years!

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NOMADS TOURNAMENT

It’s back!

Sunday 7th June is the date for your diary and as always the sun will shine and the lovely Cheam Sports Club will be the venue.

Bacon butties in the morning and BBQ for Lunch keep you well fed the Sports Club bar will be open for all your liquid refreshment needs, the Korfball is played on a brilliant flat grass surface, mere yards from your preferred refreshments and with plenty of free field space for gazebos and other tournament neccesities plus the guaranteed sun, there really is no excuse not to enter a team.

Senior and Junior (U13, U11, U9) team tournaments will be running and you can enter using the form on this website (link on top) or by e-mailing info@nomadskorf.com

Either method gains you entry to this popular and well run tournament.

See you all at Cheam!

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CHAAAAAAAAAAAAMPPPPPPPPIOOOOOOOOONS!

The Second team have defeated Mitcham 16-14 today to seal the London 1 title! More info when i have it.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

The England Under 16’s have just finished 2nd to The Netherlands in the Youth Talent Cup with Nomads very own Alex Bell part of the most successful Under 16 squad in history. Well done Alex and well done England!

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**OFFICIAL CLUB STATEMENT ON THE EKA CUP WITHDRAWAL WILL BE ONLINE THIS WEEK**SEE KORFBALL FORUMS**

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CHAMPIONS TROPHY DRAW ANNOUNCED

POOL A

Birmingham City
Nomads
Croydon
Cardiff Dragons

POOL B

Norwich Knights
Manchester Warriors
Tornadoes
Cardiff City

The timings of the Saturday games are…

10:20 – Birmingham v Nomads
12:00 – Nomads v Cardiff Dragons
14:30 – Nomads v Croydon

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HIGH AND DRY

The First team continued their dominant season with an emphatic 21-4 victory over Highbury. Every player scored at least once and Joe and Ant top scored with 6 and 5 respectively, scoring form that will serve the team well in the forthcoming Champions Trophy.

Not to be outdone, the Second team followed up the First teams success with a sizeable chunk of bouncebackability, winning 20-9 and in the process staying above Trojans 2 and leaving themselves needing a win against Mitcham 2 to seal the league title.

Though it was a fine victory, it will most likely be remembered for the 10 goals scored by Ean Irwin.

10 goals is a superb achievement, particularly for somebody quoted as saying; “I didn’t think i had that good a game” afterwards!

It also puts Ean in the fine company of Wales and Birmingham City Captain Nick Wilkins as they are the only players to have hit 10 goals in a game in English Korfball this season and with the Champions Trophy drawing Nomads in the same pool as Birmingham City, we could have an interesting match up!

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UNDER 11’s THIRD AT NATIONALS

The future continues to be bright for Nomads as our youngest players put in a fine performance at the National Championships to finish in 3rd place. Congratulations to all!

A report on the games can be found in the Junior Reports section.

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LATE LATE ROUND UP

The second team were narrowly shaded by Trojans 2 in their London 1 game, losing out by a single goal in a game that seemed lost at half time when 8-3 down but came back Lazarus style from the dead thanks to an inspired second half performance, the final 11-10 scoreline left the league title open till the final week but the performance is encouraging enough to believe the seconds can hold onto top spot.

Meanwhile the Fourth team won, the fifths lost (although the record books appear to record a 10-0 win so i can only assume the Bec side was illegal) and the sixths won.

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**APOLOGIES FOR LACK OF UPDATES**

The life of a final year student can occasionally get in the way of updating this website! Normal service is hopefully resumed!

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WEEKEND PREVIEW

The Second team will line up at Trinity on Sunday morning to play the biggest game of their season so far.

Though currently sitting top of the London 1 table, they travel to a Trojans side fresh from a 30-6 thrashing of title rivals Mitcham, knowing that a win will put an insurmountable five point gap between themselves and Trojans and leaving only a no doubt shell shocked Mitcham in their way.

Defeat however would open up the title race and leave Nomads needing to defeat Highbury and Mitcham in their last two games to retain the top spot and take the title.

A perfectly achievable goal but a loss in this Sunday’s game would sour any subsequent championship with the memories of defeat in such a big game.

Occasionally, when people are seen to be calm under pressure, they are jokingly said to have not realised the gravity of situation.

My personal opinion is that they are usually totally aware of the gravity of the situation, they have simply chosen to place it to the back of their minds and concentrate on their individual performance.

Without wishing to sound like an amatuer psychologist I would hope that all the players donning the red and black of Nomads this Sunday have realised the gravity of the gam and let it pass to the backs of their minds so they can go onto calmly play their Korfball to the high level they are capable of.

You may wonder why i have rambled so seriously about this fixture, this is partly because i have nothing better to do but partly because if the club are to return to our old spot in the National League we will need to spend a weekend playing high pressure games with high quality Kofball.

What better time to prove we have the squad depth and mental balance to do this than in the biggest game of the London 1 season.

MEANWHILE…

Elsewhere, the club is in all corners of London, the Fourth team are in Richmond taking on West London and they will be hoping to build on the performance that ended Highbury’s undefeated season with another win and a chance to possibly claim a higher league placing than may have been anticipated before last Sunday.

The Fifths head to Tooting Graveney to take on a Bec side bottom of the exceptionally tight London 4 division.

A win would give them slim hope of improving on their Third spot, there is even scope for a last day nabbing of the title on goal difference, if Scorpions and Supernova contrive to lose unexpectedly.

However, it is likely that the single goal defeat to a considerably strengthened Supernova 3 a fortnight ago will be what put the boot into the Fifths title hopes.

Finally, the Sixth team head to Score in Leyton to take on Highbury 4 hoping to win and avoid the bottom spot.

After becoming the second Nomads side to suffer at the problem and ensuing goals from Supernova 1 and 2 players dropped to their 3rds in last Sunday’s 11-3 home defeat, bouncing back with a win will be most pleasing.

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END OF SEASON FIXTURES

There have been some slight changes to the end of season fixtures that may or may not affect you! Check the link in the top left for the updated fixture card.

Even if it emerges that there has been no change for you there’s no harm in checking you haven’t booked Sunday Lunch with Bill Oddie for the same time as your vital end of season Korfball game.

Check those diaries and make sure the Korf comes first!

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WIMBLEDON DOGS SOCIAL REPORT IN SOCIAL SECTION

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SECONDS TRIUMPH AGAIN

In the ridiculously tight London 1 top four Bec 2’s faint championship hopes were finished by a 9-8 defeat to Nomads 2 despite the fact a win would have actually  seen them top of the table.

With Trojans thumping Mitcham an impressive thirty goals to six, next Sunday’s trip to Trinity to take on the National Champions second string is now very much the title decider.

THIRDS DOWN LEAGUE HIGH FLIERS

With all the other sides at home the Thirds faced a trip to the familiar surroundings of Royal Russell to take on North Downs, needing a win to stand any chance of overhauling the Second place side, they duly delivered with an 11-8 victory that breathes some life into the last two games of the season.

HIGH AND DRY

A previously unbeaten Highbury 3 trekked south of the river to take on a Nomads 4 side who despite their mid table position were unbeaten at home and fully intended to keep it that way.

The game was a classic London League battle between evenly matched sides with neither managing to take a convincing lead. A nervy last 15 minutes saw all three permutations of final score possible but Nomads 4 claimed the win 10-9.

WOKING WITHER

The days Korfball continued with a fine win for the 5th team who comfortably beat Woking 2 with the reward of a horn toot and big cheer providing adequate motivation to rattle in 8 goals to Woking’s 2.

SIXTHS SUNK

A day of victory however was not to be as a strong Supernova side overwhelmed the sixth team and ran out comfortable 11-3 winners.

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INTERNATIONAL CALL UP

I’m pleased to be shockingly late with the news that Jess Turner has been called up to the England Under 19 Squad for the Junior World Cup next month. Well done Jess!

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TIGHT DAY

A day of very close results at Epsom today with the largest winning margin in all five games being only two goals.

That margin was achieved in the First teams 9-7 win over Cambridge Tigers. It is often said that the great teams win even when they don’t play well, although i’d not be so foolish as to bestow greatness on our young sides just yet, it’s a favourable habit to have.

12 games, 24 points, plus 75 goal difference. Not bad at all.

SECONDS CLING TO TOP SPOT

The Seconds continued the tight results with a 10-9 win over Mitcham two despite the efforts of veteran Teague in the green. With four games remaining it allows the Seconds to maintain their top spot in London 1.

Three wins out of four needed for the title.

THIRDS SQUEEZE THROUGH

In sharp contrast to the away fixture against bottom side West London, the season opener was won comfortably by 10 clear goals, the Third team had to take a leaf out of the Squads book by squeezing through 6-5 despite not hitting the goalscoring heights they would prefer.

FIFTHS AND SIXTHS EDGED OUT

In a reverse of the earlier games, the 5th team, despite quadrupling their goals total from last week, lost out 12-13 to Supernova 3

A similar fate befall the Sixths, with a single goal defeat (9-10) to Scorpions 1

The results seem to signal the end of a London 4 title challenge for either side.

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BEC BEAT

A huge win for the Second team kicked off a day of home games at Epsom. An 11-8 in what by all accounts was an excellent game. The win keeps Nomads 2 in the running for the London 1 league as they go level on points with Bec and have games in hand on the Tooting based side.

Presuming Mitcham 2 have stuck to form and beaten the bottom side Croydon 2 next weeks clash with Mitcham at Epsom will leave Nomads in a position where they can win and go joint top and still have a game in hand over Mitcham.

FIRSTS REVEL IN-VICTORY

Nomads continue their fine unbeaten season after surviving a late comeback from Invicta to win 12-11 in a high tempo game that tested the resolve and talent of the side to keep quite comfortably ahead for most of the game until the late goals drew the scoreline closer than Nomads would have wanted.

Individual highlights came from some fine shooting from Sam, a cool defensive performance from Anthony that left Invicta’s main man McDonald knelt at the post in frustration and a textbook long shot from Terry.

The lead at the top is extended but a Tornadoes win means it will take a little longer to secure top spot.

THIRDS FRUSTRATED AGAIN & MIXED RESULTS

Table toppers Bec 3 continued their winning run with a 14-8 win over the Third team who after a tight first half slipped two goals behind right on the break and never recovered enough to get back into the game with a second half performance that never quite got going to the standard the team want to play at.

The Fourths restored winning ways with a 9-6 victory over Bec 4 and Nomads 5 lost out 4-3 to Highbury4 to keep the London 4 table as tight as ever.

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CROY-DONE

The second team continued their excellent form with a 14-10 win over Croydon 2 at Royal Russell. A rare Cara Allan hat-trick topped a pleasing spread of goals around the side.

The London 1 league table also remains interestingly topped, with Mitcham, Nomads and Bec all within 2 points and with various permutations possible due to them all having played a different number of games the top spot is still very much up for grabs.

THIRDS WIN SHORTENED TIE

This was a game that was marred by confusion over the throw off time and saw both sides ending up playing with seven players each.

It then became a shortened game courtesy of a late start to due to the ref believing the game to be starting later and the Trojans v Nottingham game absolutely having to start bang on time (although the few who stayed on to watch the dull National League contest ensuing probably wouldn’t have minded waiting…)

The game was played in good spirit and saw the welcome return from injury of Amy Cole and the timely intervention of my arms preventing me losing my front teeth in a fall. After a tight opening the Thirds stepped up to claim a comfortable 16-7 win.

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NEXT ROUND BECKONS FOR FIRSTS

An 11-9 win in the cup allows the firsts to remain unbeaten in all competitions this season, a valiant challenge from an experienced Bec 2 not enough to knock out the SEEKL top dogs.

NO CUPSET FOR SECONDS

The Seconds were up against it in their draw against National Champions Trojans and though they succumbed 26-8 to the deadly shooting of one of Britain’s top sides they by no means played badly and 8 goals is only a couple short of the totals managed by Trojans last too national league opponents.

It’s even one more than Mitcham managed although i imagine their 7-7 draw back in December was more a battle of trying not to lose rather than a match up of fast flowing Korfball!

Well done all the same to the Seconds.

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Apologies for the late update, i was celebrating an Irish friends Birthday this weekend and had rather too much stout and whisky on what for me at least was weekend off the korfball!

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CHAMPIONS!

Congratulations to Nomads U11s (and their coaches Brian, Liza, Jess and more recently Nisha) who have today been named Champions of the LKA U11 league with 31 points, pipping Croydon’s 29 points and forcing them into 2nd place, ahead of Scorpions in 3rd and Mitcham in 4th.

Well done all!

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NOMADS DO THE DOUBLE ON CITY

Further to my ramblings on sequels in the match preview, it has to be said that Sunday’s game was more a forgettable Toy Story 2 than a thunderous Rocky II.

Nomads got the win, with an 11-5 victory but the panache and guile of previous games wasn’t quite there.

Nomads of course remain unbeaten and on course for the Champions Weekend.

WOKING BATTLE OUT DRAW

A hugely disappointing result for the third team saw a seemingly comfortable if narrow lead slip out of their hands in the last few minutes as Woking levelled it 9-9 with a suspiciously defended looking runner.

However that should not detract from the fact that Nomads should have been capable of closing out a win.

MIT-CHUMPED

In happier news, the Fourths triumphed 13-8 over Mitcham at Trinity with hat-tricks from Paula Stockwell and Ollie Bell. The result puts them 3rd in London 3.

Finally, in London 4, the Fifths cling onto the top spot on goal difference after the Sixths narrowly failed to do them the favour of beating rivals Scorpions, losing 10-7 to leave both our Fifth team and Scorpions equal top on 9 points and the Sixth team in 5th place.

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CITY II

Sequels, with the honourable exception of Rocky II and possibly the cult French film, Taxi II, are usually  a bit rubbish.

Korfball fans will be hoping this isn’t the case as Cambridge City come to Epsom College for the reverse fixture a week after suffering a heavy defeat in the re-arranged fixture up in Cambridge last Sunday.

Nomads go into the game with a strong squad to pick from due to the lack of of Second team fixture and it’s depth will no doubt be exploited by Coach Jax.

Cambridge City will be pleased to have a chance to immediately attempt to re-address their failings in last Sunday’s game but they will have to find an answer to Joe Olds who notched up his third 6 goal haul of the season before they can realistically be a threat to Nomads unbeaten run and with goals spread nicely around the team it will not be their only concern.

As for the threat posed to Nomads, Nick Collier is by far and away top goalscorer for City, his 30 goals is double the total of any of his team mates, he was limited to just two last week though and Nomads will be looking to neutralise his threat again.

Rarely in Korfball do you have the chance to have another swing at the opposition so soon after the first and how both sides deal with the opportunity will have the largest bearing on the result with both sides having to be aware that certain aspects of their game will have been sussed if they play the same away.

A thrilling contest awaits!

11:45am throw off at Epsom College.

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For those not able to make it i will be trialling a half time/full time update service on the website in order to get news online faster than before.

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WILEY WOKING

In the other fixture at Epsom this Sunday, the Third team take on Woking immediately after the First team game.

Woking were smashed 18-6 in the away fixture, a shooting masterclass from Ian Borrows and Gary Olds the major difference in the last fixture (a certain website editor even chipped in with 3!) and Woking have failed to win a game since.

With Woking yet to reach double figures in a game this season the Thirds will go into the game as favourites.

MITCH UPS

Finally, also at 1pm, the Fourths travel to Trinity to take on the old enemy Mitcham and a win there will allow them to hold onto Third spot in the league.

The Sixth team head to play Scorpions, no doubt still reeling from their last defeat to our Fifth team.

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CITY SLAYED

The only team in action this weekend were the Firsts, travelling Cambridge City for the re-arranged fixture, keen to make amends for the wasted trip earlier in the season and continue the fine unbeaten run.

Amends indeed were made as they won 15-8 and inflicted Cambridge City’s largest defeat of the season which will no doubt have made the snowy trip home from Cambridge a touch less chilly for the Nomads players.

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JUNIORS IN ACTION

It was all eyes on the clubs Juniors this weekend with the Under16’s, Under 13’s and Under 11’s all playing.

A report on the day is in the Junior Reports section.

JUNIOR PROFILES ONLINE!

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ALL CLEAR

Another day of Nomads action at Epsom resulted in a clean sweep of wins for the senior sides with the Firsts staying top courtesy of a calm and confident performance against Tornadoes and the Seconds returning to top spot in emphatic fashion, thrashing Croydon 2 with a top notch shooting display.

Backed up by wins for the Thirds, Fourths and Fifths and an improving display from Brian’s fledging Under 13’s it was a fine days Korfball for the fans and for the club as a whole.

RAINING GOALS

The day began with the seconds handing out a good old fashioned whipping to our blue clad rivals. 21 goals to 2 with Richard and Brian notching up five each and 9 separate goalscorers.

Though the league table has Croydon bottom and a win was the likely result, to win so convincingly and by nearly twice as many goals as title rivals Trojans managed in what had previously been Croydon 2’s biggest defeat is impressive and bodes well for the rest of the season.

TORNADOES HUFF AND PUFF…

…but fail to bring down the breeze block house of Nomads.

The early parts of this game were enthralling as individual battles were played out across the pitch in the kind of battling good spirit that some would wrongly lead you to believe no longer existed in Korfball.

The score, though remaining tight, was always in Nomads favour.

The breach Tornadoes needed to get a foothold on the game never really came, with a couple of Tornadoes goals receiving instant replies from Nomads, it felt a more comfortable than the slim 8-6 half time lead would have suggested.

Joe Olds continued his consistent goalscoring form, Liza Voppen remained deadly with the running in shots and Ant Taylor thumped in a couple of his trademark long shots to get the crowd buzzing.

Half time Substitute Ana also netted twice,  a Taylor-esque long shot complete with a celebration that will hopefully have vented some of the anger usually saved for the relentless running drills in her training sessions (we can but dream!).

With the talismanic Dave Buckland struggling to damage the scoreboard and only Corrine picking up more than a single goal, the lack of goalsoring depth highlighted in the match preview came to fruition and meant that the two points were always going to be staying in Epsom.

The score continued to tick on in Nomads favour, finishing 16-10 in favour of the home team, who remain unbeaten and top of the SEEKL.

FOLLOW THAT…

As is traditional, the job of keeping the crowd going after the buzz of the First team game fell to the Thirds who were looking to pick up some points to get the season back on track with a win over Supernova.

A slow first half left it 4-3 to Nomads at the break but the game soon picked up a gear and with the help of a vociferous crowd, Nomads held onto a three goal lead for long periods before a last minute Supernova penalty meant it finished 12-10 to Nomads.

The Thirds sneak back into third place in the London 2 Standings.

FOUR EVER AND EVER…

…We’ll follow our team.

The crowd remained hungry for more Korfball action and with the Fourths, Fifths and Under 13’s to follow they got what they wanted.

The Fourth team took on Supernova 2 in a battle for third place and Nomads triumphed 14-11, holding onto their three goal advantage from half-time.

SCORPIONS LOSE THEIR BITE

The Fifths then made an audacious lunge for top spot in London 4, with the league so tight a win against table toppers Scorpions was capable of taking them top and indeed victory would cap off a clean sweep of wins for the Senior sides.

They duly delivered with a 10-5 win and despite the late efforts to close the gap from the Scorpions coach.

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UNDER THIRTEENS BATTLE ON

Scorpions had a chance to gain instant revenge when their Under 13’s took on our own and though a 10-1 defeat may not look good it was a defensive improvement on early games against Scorpions and indeed some players first game on full size Korfs.

Keep the faith and listen to Brian!

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TORNADO WARNING

A dramatic headline for this weekends big match preview.

Fortunately though, anybody concerned about their roof tiles and finding out that the cat has blown away need not worry as it is merely the build up to Nomads SEEKL game against Kent side Tornadoes at Fortress Epsom this weekend.

Tornadoes squeezed past Invicta last weekend by a single goal (13-12) and in doing so took up second position in the league.

However, sitting a point behind Nomads and having played one game more than our red and black heroes, they need to win if they have any ideas of finishing in the top spot.

Defeated 11-7 by Nomads in their league meeting earlier this season, Tornadoes boast Dave and Corrine Buckland, former GB Internationals who remain a fearsome korfballing double act with Corrine having notched 23 goals and Dave 19 so far.

From the Nomads cohort, only Joe Olds in has done more damage to the goalscoring charts than Corrine.

The veteran Bucklands form the backbone and the major goal threat of a mainly youthful Tornadoes side that also boasts some England Under 16 players in Josh Lloyd and Alice Bodkin and there has no doubt been some experience and cunning passed onto the rest of the team.

A big build up for our opponents but for Nomads this is a chance to show their credentials as favourites for a successful return to the National League.

If they can contain the Buckland threat, prey on the younger Tornadoes players inexperience then there should be no fears that they won’t claim a valuable victory.

However, Korfball isn’t played in nomadskorf.com match previews so the only way to really know how this exciting match up turns out is to be there.

11:30am throw off at Epsom!

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SUNDAY SUPPLEMENT

Having been disappointed to have stumbled so uncharacteristically against Trojans last week the Seconds have some pride to regain against Croydon 2 in the 10am game at Epsom this Sunday as well as the chance to go back on top of the league on goal difference over Bec 2.

Following the main event of the First teams match against Tornadoes, the Third team will be looking to get their season back on track against Supernova who squeezed past West London last weekend to record their first win of the season from actual game play (their other two points coming by default when North Downs pulled out of their opening game).

The mid-table Fourths follow the Thirds in more ways then one as they also take on Supernova. A win of three goals or more needed to overhaul Supernova 2 for third spot in London 3.

Finally, with a point separating the top five places, the Fifth team play current table toppers Scorpions in a game that could leave them anywhere in those top five positions depending on all sorts of permutations from their game and the others in London 4 this Sunday.

A close league means close games and a good crowd always makes you push that little bit harder so stick around if you can and cheer on the Fifths!

The Sixths are gameless until early February.

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FIRSTS MARCH ON IN KENT

An impressive 20-9 victory over Bearsted means the First team remain unbeaten and top of the league although Wildcats win over basement boys and girls, Highbury, means there is still not a clear gap at the top.

Games in hand and what i calculate to be a plus 52 goal difference however show a more dominant position than points.

The second team however lost out in their game against Trojans, a result that keeps the top of London 1 exceptionally tight.

The Fourths traveled to Tooting and lost 12-6 to the as yet unbeaten Bec 4.

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JUNIORS IN ACTION

For anybody who’ll be attending training at Sutton Grammar this coming Monday, rather than ambling in five minutes before why not turn up early and get in the Korfballing mood by watching our Under 16’s take on Mitcham?

It’s 7:30pm throw off and it should be a good game, the crowds have been excellent so far this season so let’s keep the support up!

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HELLO!

With the Christmas tree back in the loft and the choccy tin left empty but for those rancid green foiled triangular things and the xmas football putting certain local upstarts back in their place, we welcome the return of our much loved Korfball…

And even better, since i’ve just about stopped finding different ways of being ill, some more bewildering and painful than others, nomadskorf.com will be swinging back into life!

DECK THE HALLS WITH NOMADS KIT BAGS…

The new Korfball year started in the favoured Nomads style with all six teams playing at our slightly chilly Epsom College home. The inclement weather outside and the distinctively useless insulation skills of the big metal box that makes up the hall roof meant that the hot drink facilities provided by Mary were well used, as indeed were any available coats!

Still, as we all know, once you’re running around the pitch the cold is soon forgotten and the Korfing action warms the heart and soul, if not the feet…

HIGH-BURIED…

First up were the Seconds who were hoping to continue their table topping pace against Highbury 2. They duly succeeded with a fine 14-6 victory to set the day off to a pleasing start.

With the league remaining so tight on points the Seconds will be pleased to add to their goal difference and boost their London 1 title chances.

TOP JOB…

Onwards to the main event…

The Firsts took on Highbury in the SEEKL with an unbeaten record and the top spot in the table to defend.

A low scoring first half left it 6-4 to Nomads at the break, although reasonably comfortable in the lead, more goals are always preferred and the second half gave them with a further 9 goals.

With Higbury only capable of another 5 goals it was a welcome 15-9 final score.

The win moves Nomads onto 12 points and keeps the Nomads boys and girls top but they will be hoping for bigger goal tallies, such as the 24 they put past Wildcats, in the second half of the season.

It has to be said though, for the two sides picked from the Squad to be top of their respective leagues in the New Year is a fine achievement. Winning is a habit so let’s not break it!

DOWN & OUT…

The rest of the days action began in earnest with the Third team, a victim of it’s successes in the first three games, lining up with another mish mash side but since the lack of consistency in the line up is the price paid for a successful squad, it’s a risk worth taking.

Despite the return of the guaranteed goals of Ian Borrows and a valiant attempt at a late comeback that only needed a touch more finishing quality to have succeeded, the Thirds slumped to 10-7 defeat against Northdowns.

HAT’S MAGIC…

With run of wins abruptly ended the Fourth team lined up against the stalwarts of Pelham with plans to pull away from the bottom pack and into the top three of London 3.

Aided by the deadly shooting of Gary Olds, the obvious power of my woolly hat and a pleasing spread of goals around the team a comfortable 14-6 win was achieved.

AND FINALLY…

A bit of in-club battling, the fifth and sixth teams faced off against each other with the gap in years between the youngest and oldest player arguably the largest to grace a competitive game, a fact i mention not to embarass our older players but to highlight the incredible depth in the clubs playing reserves.

The fifth team triumphed 6-5 but to twist and destroy an over used cliche, Nomads Korfball club were the real winners.

Happy New Year All!

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Playing Catch Up…

I will try to get everything else updated this week, things like the stats and hopefully another player profile (get yours done!) when i can work out where i put the piece of paper with Katie’s answers on it is…

Also if anyone has pics of the Xmas meal that would be excellent to as it would be a shame to let that pass.

Whether the slightly mad waiter ever got over being shunned by every girl in the club and indeed Second team pin up, Ant, is still up for debate…

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THEY’RE GRRRRRREAT

Continuing their form in cat based hunting the Firsts recorded a 15-6 win over Cambridge Tigers to maintain their unbeaten winning run and top spot in the  SEEKL and add to an emphatic plus 36 goal difference.

—-

MITCHAM MASHED

A 14-7 victory for the Seconds against Mitcham combined with Bec, as expected, cruising past Croydon leaves the London 1 table with three teams on 8 points but thanks to superior goal difference, Nomads top the table.

Five goals from Ean to top score closely followd by four from Brian. Cara, Helen, Katie and Richard with the rest.

Superb result.

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BATTERING BY BEC

The still weakened Third team were comfortably beaten by Bec 15-2 who now go top of London 2.

A hugely disappointing result not aided by possibly the worst individual Korf display of my life.

A well timed blam from Will and a goal from John on his return were the Nomads highlights.

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TIGER TIME

The Firsts head up to Cambridge again this weekend and they’ll be hoping for a more successful visit than their last attempt to play in the University City, though it’s Tigers and not City making up the opposition this time.

Tigers are one of the four SEEKL sides sitting on 4 points going into the weekends fixtures and like Nomads are coming into this game after a single goal victory.

Nick Armitage netted 5 in their 13-12 win at Higbury which left the North Londoners rooted to the base of the table, no doubt incredibly frustrated with a third single goal defeat of the season!

Tigers on the other hand will be out to inflict the first defeat of the season on Nomads who will be keen to bounce back from what was seen by the squad as a disappointing performance despite the positive result.

—-

FOUR POINTER CRUNCH MATCH

More excitement in London 1 as the Seconds head off to a season defining game against their compatriots at Mitcham with the green slime currently occupying the top spot a Nomads win would would bring the two teams (and possibly Bec if they defeat Highbury) level on 8 points at the top of the table.

Mitcham victory though, would give them a 4 point cushion over Nomads and leave Bec in the prime chasing position if they, as form would suggest, defeat basement boys and girls, Highbury.

Plenty of possibilities!

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OTHER PREVIEWS

After the much changed sides defeat to Croydon at Royal Russell the Thirds lost their unbeaten record and Trojans remain level on points with them. A lack of match practice may impede Bec 3 having only played two games thus far but as they were both victories this game is hard to call!

The Fourths take on West London 2 with the winner claiming third spot in the table, beating Croydon 4 so comfortably at the weekend though will have offered little preparation for the tougher challenge of this weekend.

The Sixths meanwhile travel to Tooting to take on Bec and try and pick up their third win of the season.

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TIGHTEST YET

The Firsts continued their unbeaten run against Invicta on Sunday but only in the narrowest of circumstances with a 9-8 win after what i’m told was an awful lot of rebound Korfball from the Kent side. Dull but very nearly effective!

A disappointing scoreline after the destruction of Wildcats but a win nonetheless.

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SECONDS SECOND

A 12-9 win away to Highbury pushed the seconds onto 6 points and just above the Croydon slaying Bec 2 on goal difference to take second spot in the London 1 league. Ant Taylor with the match report in the relevant section.

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MISERABLE DEFEAT

A much changed Third team were comprehensively beaten by a strong Croydon 3 side at Royal Russell. The 12-4 defeat ending an unbeaten run and closing the Thirds lead at the top of the table to goal difference.

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MISERABLE VICTORY

In what was probably the dullest game to grace a Korfball field this weekend past, the fourths ran out 15-2 winners over a limited Croydon side. 12-0 up at half time courtesy of a late arrival for Croydon and some clinical attacking from Nomads.

The second half however took so long to yield a goal that when it came from a mix up in the Nomads defence there would have been few in the hall still paying attention.

Victory however was eked out and an impressively consistent run of penalty goals from young Tom Stockwell was a highlight.

*Fifth team news when i get it at training tonight and stats update when i have the time!

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POKER NIGHT

Report in the Social section!

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CATS CREAMED

Nomads surged back to the top of the SEEKL this weekend with an emphatic 24-9 win over West London Wildcats. A superb performance that leaves Nomads with a plus twenty-six goal difference ahead of joint top (on points) Wildcats who have dramatically dropped to a minus two goal difference courtesy of their crushing defeat.

Top scoring with 7 in the game was Ean who also overhauls Ian at the top of the club goalscoring charts with his total of 15 overtaking Ian’s 13 for the season.

Invicta up next on the December 7th and with the Kent side only having a single goal victory over Highbury to their name this season Nomads go into that game as favourites.

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SECOND HELPINGS

A 14-10 win at Royal Russell for the second team puts them back in contention in London 1 in second place. Two points behind Mitcham 2 but with a marginally superior goal difference.

Match report by five goal hero Ant Taylor in the relevant section.

Highbury away is up next for the seconds on December 7th.

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FOUR DRAW

A 5-5 draw against Mitcham 3 did little to help the fourth teams league campaign but an even spread of goals around the team is promising.

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SIX SLIP

8-7 defeat for the Sixths against Bec 5 meant they lost out on a chance to top London 4 with a win. A brace each for Mary Allan and Ollie “Baby” Bell though!

—-

WILD GAME HUNT

The first team return to action at Epsom College this weekend with their first top of the table clash of the season against West London Wildcats.

The unexpected lack of a game for our Firsts meant that Wildcats 11-6 win over Invicta sent them top of the SEEKL with Neala Brennan, a player who needs no introduction to Nomads having previously played for us in the National League, top scoring with 4 goals.

Another Wildcats threat needing little introduction is former Wales and Great Britain international, Steve Jones, a player who will have to be well marshalled if Nomads are to secure the three goal win needed to regain the top spot in the league table.

A tough proposition but with two good wins so far Nomads can go into the game confident of securing a positive result.

Whether it is going to be enough to overhaul Wildcats and return to the top though, is yet to be seen!

Following the First team action at Epsom the fourths take on struggling Mitcham 3 and will be favourites for a win and the Sixth team hope to build on their successes against Woking when they face up against Bec 5

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AFTERNOON TEA

With a quarter to six throw off Sunday’s festival of Korfball will be capped off by this clash of old rivals at Royal Russell. Nomads Seconds versus Croydon 2.

With Nomads keen to bounce back from their single goal defeat to Bec last weekend and Croydon 2 comfortably beaten by Mitcham 2 in their last outing, both sides will not only be out to defeat their rivals but to regain form and momentum in the league. Another intriguing game.

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STATS ENTERTAINMENT

Fixtures and goals (excluding the 2nd team goals until i get the info) have been updated in the relevant sections. For those interested i hope to add 4th/5th/6th team scoring charts as soon as my University work and hectic drinking schedule allow. This will probably be after the weekends results are in.

As it stands though, the ego boosting honour of club top scorer is Ian Borrows with 13 from 3 games. Well played sir!

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SQUAD MATCHES UPDATE

The second team score against Bec was 11-12

The First team trip to Cambridge was thwarted by rain leaking into the planned hall and with an unsafe pitch and a lack of agreement over other options the trip became an extended day out with no game to speak of.

The issue has been taken up with the EKA, news on any action and re-arrangement when i have it.

—-

RESULTS

Thirds win 18-6 at Woking, Ian top scoring with 8!

Sixths played Woking 2 and will be pleased with a well fought 11-5 win with some smart goals being scored and the Fifths lost out 8-6 against Supernova.

Score not confirmed but the Seconds seem to have lost by a solitary goal.

First team score from Cambridge as and when i hear it!

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WEEKEND PREVIEWS

A few short previews of this weekends return to Korfball action are up in the relevant sections. Enjoy!

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B SO CRUEL…

The Under 16 B’s lost their game with Trojans 6-3 this evening. I hope to add more details than the short paragraph in the reports section so if anybody is keen to write a better report or has the stats, e-mail nomadskorf@live.co.uk and i can give you access to the the Junior section of the website so the achievements of our youngsters can get the coverage they deserve.

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IT’S ALL GREEK TO ME!

Details of the Xmas meal in the social section!

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BKA MESSAGE

Dear Korfballers

There has been a disappointing level of interest in the GB trials, to
be held at the Manchester Velodrome on 29th-30th November 2008. Please
be advised that if you would like to attend, or be considered for the
squad, then please let Angela Fuller (thefullers1094 at btinternet dot
com) know. If insufficient interest is received by Friday 14th
November 2008 the BKA will look for an alternative method to select
the squad.

Attendees will be required to pay £5 (tbc) to cover the costs.

The World Games take place from 15th July-26th July 2009 and will be
held in Kaoshiung, Taiwan. Players will have to cover their travel and
training costs, accommodation at the tournament is provided by the
organisers. Training for the squad will take place on the EKA
designated international weekends with intensive training taking place
during the build up to the tournament.

Manchester Velodrome has a ten badminton court and will provide ample
space for the GB trial. A list of accommodation can be found
http://www.manchestervelodrome.com/static_info/accommodation.htm

—-

International Update

Having noticed the political minefield to be stumbled into when talking about the Under 23 tournament in Taiwan/Chinese Taipei/Republic of China i’m steering clear of dodgy puns.

England appearances for our own players have so far been limited to starting the win over Hong Kong but overall the squad has performed well and go into a final game against Chinese Taipei with a slim chance of shocking the hosts and making the top four.

Streaming online however has been disastrous but if i get it to work i shall hopefully be able to give some more in depth reporting from the games in Kaohsung.

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RHONDDA EDGE OF DEFEAT

Nomads 2 successfully negotiated their BKA cup game against Cardiff City with an 11-10 golden goal victory. Congratulations to our seconds and congratulations to my compatriots at Cardiff City for running them so close.

More info on the game when i have it.

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INTERNATIONAL COLE-TURE

Yes, the headlines will continue to be this bad…

nomadskorf, Nomads KC and indeed the whole country will be wishing Nomads own Simon and Emma Cole the best possible luck as they head out with the England Under 23 squad to Taiwan to compete in the IKF World Youth Championships.

The matches are planned to be streamed online and as nomadskorf plan to be watching i will be updating the site with details of where and when to watch as soon as they are released by the IKF.

—-

OVER THE BRIDGE

Without a fixture last weekend, the second team head this weekend to Wales to play Cardiff City and Trojans 2 in the EKA Cup. Good luck with games and indeed the place names!

—-

NOMADS BRAVE THE STORM

The first teams successful start to their South East England Korfball League campaign continued with an 11-7 victory over Tornadoes in Kent with Joe Olds topscoring with four.

The victory leaves Nomads top courtesy of a better goal difference than the Wildcats whose tight 13-11 win over Cambridge City continued their winning start to the season although it’s worth noting the seven goal contribution of Cambridge City’s Nick Collier as a potential threat when Nomads head up to the University town for their next SEEKL game on November the 16th.

Bearsted 10 Cambridge Tigers 5 and Invicta 11 Highbury 10 were the other weekend scores.

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THIRDSY WORK

Another victory for the blend of youth, experience and Dutch quality that is the Nomads Third team as they travelled to Richmond to take on West London. 6-2 up at half time having only conceded two penalties, Nomads surged to a hard fought victory over an organised West London side who were struggling to find form in front of the korf. 14-4 was the final score with Brendand and Brian joint topscoring with 4 each and Helen, Ian and Liza notching up the rest.

—-

FOURTHS AND SIXTHS COME CLOSE

A tight 11-9 defeat to Supernova 2 for the fourth team and the Sixths were shaded 4-3 by Supernova 3. More in depth reporting/rambling from Cara in the relevant section!

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SIX OF THE BEST

A spectacular first weekend of the season for the club as we not only fielded six teams for the first time, becoming the only club in the English Leagues to do so, all six of those teams recorded a season opening victory and with the Under 16’s winning their Monday night fixture a clean sweep of wins was recorded throughout the club.

A fine achievement and with the breadth of talent around the clubs six sides, it may not be the only time we celebrate such a successful weekend of results.

Congratulations to everyone!

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FUN FUN FUN

Training has returned indoors as the Nomads masses prepare for the new season with the ever popular “fun” stations.

It’s also the time of year where Sally More the and dreaded subs forms combine to badger you into paying your 08/09 subs.

Get yourself a form and get paying.

Alternatively the ever popular autumn sport of subs evasion can be played until your morals and/or bank balance catch up or our occasional korfers can can elect to pay by training session attended and matches played.

Either way don’t expect to escape the wrath of subs collection!

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DUTCH COURAGE

Latest News from the summer break!

Fitness training is progressing well with the squad looking to return immediately to the National League and build on the promising performances as the end of last season whilst the rest of us ensure we’ll still be popping in the goals in the last five minutes as our opponents fade.

The Junior Trip to Linde’s club in Holland was a roaring success with the juniors showing that they can battle and beat their Dutch peers.

Meanwhile the senior contingent, not content with a fine showing on the Korfball field also ensured our hosts knew exactly who were world champions at dancing and drinking.