shooterdave

Korfball: A New Hope

Edinburgh City KC held their Beginner Session on Saturday 13^th January and we’re pleased to say it was a great success.

beginners1 The hall at Oriam was full of people giving korfball a go! With over 30 in attendance, with some help from players already at the club, the newcomers were put through a crash course in korfball.

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Starting with some shooting drills, players were invited to try their hand at scoring in a variety of ways, before being introduced to one of korfball’s unique rules and practicing how to ‘defend’ the opposition.

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A quick demonstration match was staged in order to show what they were about to be asked to recreate, but all of the participants took to korfball like ducks to water! It was fantastic to see the goals flying in and we’re certainly hopeful of seeing many of the attendees back at training over the coming weeks!

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Don’t worry if you weren’t able to attend our Beginner Session, we welcome new players throughout the year and if you were interested in giving korfball a go you can email eckc.development@gmail.com

Seconds secure first win

Edinburgh City 2 (8) vs Edinburgh University 2 (11)

City 2 took the short trip down to St Leonards to take on Edinburgh University 2 & 3 in an all-Edinburgh clash. The match started slowly for both teams but once the first goal went in, there was a real back and forth battle between the two sides.

The young university side got out to a 2-5 lead but by half time it was all square at 6-6 thanks to a couple of goals each from Finlay Hannah and Naobh O’Donoghue. After the break it was City who scored first with the captain leading the way, Chris Horsley added another to stop the Uni momentum after they scored 3 in a row but with the score at 8-9 it was Edinburgh University who closed the game out strongest with the impressive Frances Waterfall scoring the final goal for Uni.

Players (goals): Ailith Ewing, Andrea Kinver, Chris Horsley (3), Finlay Hannah (2), Kitty Dutton, Lauren Halkerston, Michael Garbutt (1), Naobh O’Donoghue (2), Pip Hardy, Simon Vandeiken, Rob Stone, Vivek Santayana.

MVP: Chris Horsley

Edinburgh City 2 (7) vs Edinburgh University 3 (2)

Coach Christie Smillie asked the players to work on their movement and focus on passing as these really held us back in the first match.

The message was slow to sink in though and the first half was really a struggle for both teams. It took until the end of the half for either team to register a goal, with a late Uni penalty and a Lauren Halkerston drop off shot managing to give the scoreboard operator something to do.

The second half saw a lot of improvement, with plenty of Citizens getting on the scoresheet and a far more team-minded approach than had been shown previously. City managed to press ahead into a 6-1 lead before the students scored again. With the match winding down, Vivek Santayana who was making his 2^nd team debut popped up in space to score a well deserved goal to end the game at 7-2.

All together not the most convincing display from the team, but the first win of the season will provide a good platform for the players to build from.

Players (goals): Ailith Ewing, Andrea Kinver (1), Chris Horsley (1), Finlay Hannah (1), Kitty Dutton (1), Lauren Halkerston (1), Michael Garbutt, Naobh O’Donoghue, Pip Hardy, Simon Vandeiken, Rob Stone (1), Vivek Santayana (1).

MVP: Simon Vandeiken

It’s never too late to try korfball!

In the latest of a series of interviews with our newest Citizens, we’re delighted to introduce Rachel Simpson. We sat down with Rachel this week to talk about how she is settling in and find out a little more about her.

Hi Rachel, great to see you! Thanks for chatting today, first things first… How did you find out about korfball?

I found out about the club through a former member and university friend. He recently visited Edinburgh and invited me to meet a few team members for a relaxed practice session in the meadows, which was great fun!

You’ve been training for a few weeks now, but what were your first impressions of the club?

Everyone was really friendly, welcoming and relaxed. The group is really varied in terms of both experience and interests, which makes it very inclusive. One of the things that struck me was the spirit of the team; the mixed nature of the sport erases the gender divide, which can often occur in team sports.

It’s great to hear such a positive review of korfball! Have you tried many other sports in the past?

I have always enjoyed getting involved in a variety of sports at different levels. From a young age I swam and played badminton competitively. In later years, I turned my attention to teaching and worked part time as a Swimming Instructor. During my Undergraduate degree, I was also a member of Edinburgh University Swimming and Water Polo Club and enjoy playing tennis in my spare time.

Wow, it seems that you’re a keen athlete! What are your goals and expectations for the season ahead?

In terms of the sport itself, I look forward to improving my play and gaining new skills. The team as a whole are really supportive and Coach Dan is always on hand to help players of all abilities. I’ve also been on a couple of nights out with the team and look forward to getting to know everyone better.

I’m sure the club are also excited to get to know you better too, do you have something interesting that people might not know about you already?

I have had the pleasure of teaching swimming for many years and am regularly inspired by the enthusiasm and talent of many of the young athletes I’ve worked with. They inspire me to try new experiences, push myself outside the comfort zone and explore new opportunities. I am also slightly addicted to cheesecake.

A big fan of cheesecake! Well then, is there anyone at the club would you like to grab some food with?

I wouldn’t want to give too much away but I hear the Tron pub serves great food at 7:30pm every Friday…come along and find out!

We promise we didn’t bribe Rachel for the advertisement there, but it’s a good reminder that the club meet every Friday for a social gathering at The Tron who kindly provide us with some nibbles for the evening!

First win for City 3!

Edinburgh City 3 (9) vs Saint Andrew’s University 2 (0)

The third team got off to a great start on Sunday against Saints 2. An early goal from Alex Johnston put City in the lead, with three more goals secured by half time. In defence, City were strong, keeping the half time score to 4-0.

The second half saw defence staying strong, and lots of shots being put up. Great rebounding meant another five goals were scored, leaving the final score 9-0, and City 3 securing their first win of the season.

Players (goals): Alex Johnston (2), Alex Foster, Chris Brown (1), Craig Salkeld (1), Craig Stephen (2), Kitty Dutton (1), Lauren Kelly (1), Maria Hantova (1), Rachel Simpson

MVP: Craig Stephen

Edinburgh City 3 (4) vs Strathclyde (14)

The second match of the afternoon was expected to be a tough one with Strathclyde coming off a strong win against Saint Andrew’s University 2.

Alex Johnston scored an early penalty to give City the lead, however two goals from Strathclyde followed shortly. A couple of long shots from Kitty Dutton and Craig Stephen meant the half time score was 5-3 to Strathclyde.

Unfortunately, Strathclyde got into their stride after half time and, despite best efforts in defence, scored another 9 goals. A goal from Kitty Dutton left the final score at 14-4 to Strathclyde.

Players (goals): Alex Johnston (1), Alex Foster, Chris Brown, Craig Salkeld, Craig Stephen (1), Kitty Dutton (2), Lauren Kelly, Maria Hantova, Rachel Simpson

MVP: Alex Johnston

City 1 get things rolling with a pair of wins

Edinburgh City 1 (13) vs (7) Edinburgh Mavericks 2

The season for Edinburgh City began on Saturday, with the 1^st team facing off against Edinburgh Mavericks 2. The side had been preparing for many weeks for this moment and were keen to get underway.

There was a first SKL1 start for Jacky Mo who celebrated with his first goal for the 1^st team too. A slow start to the game with perhaps some signs of nerves meant that the sides went into half-time level at 4-4

The second half saw the Citizens play a more fluid game, with Finlay Hannah playing his role with great effect. Slowly City edged ahead and were able to see the game out comfortably in the end.

Players (Goals): Ailith Ewing, Andrea Kinver (1), Clive Minshull (3), Dan Pratt (2), Dave Ewing (4), Emma Cottell (1), Finlay Hannah (1), Heather Mackintosh, Jacky Mo (1), Katrina Caldwell.

MVP: Dave Ewing

Edinburgh City 1 (14) vs (11) Edinburgh University 1

The second fixture was a bit of a bruising encounter with a young, hungry Edinburgh University side. City started out strong, gliding to a 5-1 advantage but then tensed up and allowed the opposition to climb their way back into the game with the half time score favouring Edinburgh University 5-6.

The second half started out much the same as the first had, with it being tense and hard-fought. But despite finding themselves a couple of goals down, Dave Ewing put on his shooting boots and dug the team out of trouble finishing with a game-high 8 goals to ensure that Edinburgh City 1 started the season with all 4 points.

Players (Goals): Ailith Ewing, Andrea Kinver, Clive Minshull (1), Dan Pratt (2), Dave Ewing (8), Emma Cottell (2), Finlay Hannah, Heather Mackintosh, Jacky Mo, Katrina Caldwell (1).

MVP: Dave Ewing

A tough start for City 2

Edinburgh City 2 (11) vs (16) Glasgow 2

A bit of a miscommunication meant that Edinburgh City 2 only had 3 girls make it to Glasgow for the opening weekend. Playing with a division of 3 was always going to be a tough ask against what will likely be two of the top teams in SKL2 this season.

The team made a great start to the game, coming back from 2-0 down to lead 4-2 with a couple of goals each from Chris Horsley and Ailith Ewing. But Glasgow 2 started to make the pressure pay, Fraser Brown making his Glasgow debut managed to get a hat-trick and Pat Merton a regular in Glasgow’s first team caused plenty of problems for the defence.

The match was a very back and forth affair with lots of goals traded but the match ended 16-11 to the hosts. Unfortunately the match was interrupted with an injury to Bob McKinley and Edinburgh City wishes him a speedy recovery.

Players (Goals): Ailith Ewing (2), Alex Johnston, Andrew Goode, Anna Stewart (2), Bob Mather, Chris Horsley (3), Katrina Caldwell (2), Lee Brodie (1), Michael Garbutt (1)

MVP: Katrina Caldwell

Edinburgh City 2 (5) vs (21) Strathclyde University 1

The second match of the afternoon was a tough affair, going into a back-to-back match shorthanded was never going to be easy but the Strathclyde side were looking in great form and really found their scoring areas well.

The match again started brightly with a few early goals, but tiredness very quickly set in and Strathclyde were able to pull away to a comfortable lead at half-time. Unfortunately for City, we lost another girl shortly into the second half with Anna Stewart going down with a bad ankle injury which we hope doesn’t keep her out for too long.

With 6 players City just couldn’t contain Strathclyde and they pulled away, led by a huge 9 goals from Ross McGuinness. The final score finishing 21-5, some key areas to improve on for City, but a good platform to build from and the Citizens will be hoping to fair better in the rematch later on in the season.

Players (Goals): Ailith Ewing, Alex Johnston (1), Andrew Goode, Anna Stewart (2), Bob Mather (2), Chris Horsley, Katrina Caldwell, Lee Brodie, Michael Garbutt

MVP: Katrina Caldwell

Edinburgh City 3 play inaugural matches

Edinburgh City 3 (3) – (8) Dundee 3

This weekend saw the debut of Edinburgh City’s 3^rd team! An historic fixture in the SKL2, with it being the first ever match featuring all 3^rd teams as City took on Dundee and Edinburgh University’s equivalents.

Dundee featuring a real blend of youth and experience really impressed in this game finishing 8-3 winners but for City the most important result was a full set of smiles after the match.

Chris Brown, Craig Salkeld, Maria Hantova and Rachel Simpson were all playing in their first korfball matches whilst Naobh O’Donaghue and Vivek Santayana were making their debuts for City after summer transfers. The standout player though was Lauren Halkerston who bagged all 3 of City’s goals.

Players (Goals): Chris Brown, Craig Salkeld, Lauren Halkerston (3), Maria Hantova, Naobh O’Donaghue, Rachel Simpson, Rob Harding, Vivek Santayana

MVP: Lauren Halkerston

Edinburgh City 3 (6) – (10) Edinburgh University 3

The second match of the day was against our cross-town University friends. The match was dominated by Orla Menzies who scored 3 and Theo Higham who went one better and finished with 4 for the match.

City built on their previous match experience and found the basket more regularly, with debutant Chris Brown grabbing a hat-trick. Vivek Santayana was singled out for praise by our new assistant coach Christie Smillie who appreciated his leadership as captain and scored his first goal as a Citizen.

The whole squad really improved throughout the day and the team will be looking forward to getting back to training this week and continuing their great development so far.

Players (Goals): Chris Brown (3), Craig Salkeld, Lauren Halkerston, Maria Hantova (1), Naobh O’Donaghue (1), Rachel Simpson, Rob Harding (1), Vivek Santayana (1)

MVP: Vivek Santayana

Alex discovers korfball! Rejoice!

Following on from Edinburgh City’s beginner session in August, we will be catching up with some of our newest recruits in a series of interviews.

After Chris Brown’s initial interview, we put our questions to another new member Alex Foster.

Hi Alex, thanks for agreeing to answer some questions for us today! Firstly, can you tell us about your thoughts on the beginner session?

I really enjoyed the beginner session. I particularly liked how welcoming everyone was and especially how us newcomers were eased into the session.

Well we always like positive feedback! *blushes* Where did you hear about the beginner session?

I saw the event on Meetup and it looked like something I wanted to give a try.

(We have quite a few members who have found us through Meetup now.)

What were your first impressions of korfball, and of the club?

I had never heard of korfball before finding the session on Meetup but I was pleasantly surprised. Everyone at the club was very friendly and I from the start, I got the impression that the club was well organised. After the beginner session I did some reading on the origins of Korfball and as a sport it was very appealing.

Seems like you were pretty keen to continue, was there anything in particular that kept you coming back after the beginner session?

The main reason I kept coming back was because I really enjoyed the beginner session. I enjoyed each regular training session too. The fact that I was a complete novice and hadn’t played any ball sports since high school didn’t matter and I liked the fact Korfball is a growing sport and certain aspects of the game are quite unique.

If you are interested in coming along to give korfball a go, new members are always welcome and you can details on training times here or if you want to get in touch please email Daniel Pratt for more details.