Thrilling fixtures for both teams to kick off 2018

Edinburgh City 2 faced up against Edinburgh University 3 and Glasgow 3 on Sunday taking away two victories to keep themselves in the SKL2 title race.

A comfortable victory over the hosts Edinburgh University, before an absolute thriller against Glasgow ended with the winning goal coming in the last minute of the match.

Edinburgh City 2 (10-1) Edinburgh University 3

With the first match back after the Christmas break, it would have been forgiven for City to start slowly but the team got out of the blocks quickly and never looked back.

The Citizens handed a competitive debut to one of their new recruits Jacky Mo and he looked a natural on-court with strong rebounding and defensive play throughout. A season debut for Craig Stephen was also hugely welcome with his play across the day helping City on both ends of the court.

City’s girls dominated the game in attack with Nina Murdoch getting herself a first half hat-trick and MVP before being substituted at half time. The game was a good warm up, but the toughest test was to come.

Scorers: Nina Murdoch (3), Craig Stephen, Kitty Dutton, Andrea Kinver (2), Lauren Halkerston (1)

MVP: Nina Murdoch

Edinburgh City 2 (10-9) Glasgow 3

The second match of the day for ECKC2 was a much tougher affair, starting the game by allowing Glasgow 3 to a 0-4 lead it was going to take time to edge their way back into the game. Nina Murdoch started the scoring for City and by halftime the score had narrowed to 3-4.

The second half was a real battle but with Bob Mather getting himself a hat-trick to inspire the Citizens to a lead it looked as though momentum was well and truly with City but Glasgow were not ready to give up on the game and whenever City took a lead Glasgow would hit right back.

With the scores locked at 9-9 and time running, Lee Brodie raced past his defender to score with only a minute left on the clock to score the winner and ensure City left with all of the points.

Scorers: Bob Mather (3), Craig Stephen (2), Ella Fisher, Lauren Halkerston, Lee Brodie, Kitty Dutton, Nina Murdoch (1)

MVP: Bob Mather

 

Edinburgh City 1 were defending the Broughton fortress this weekend with visitors Glasgow 1 and Dundee 1 hoping to be the first teams to take points away from City’s home venue this season.

There was slight rearrangement in the fixtures after Dundee were delayed with a motorway accident holding their team up. City managed a last second equaliser against Glasgow before beating an ever-improving Dundee side to end an entertaining day’s korfball.

Edinburgh City 1 (12-12) Glasgow 1

With Dundee delayed, Glasgow were up first in City 1’s first match of 2018. With a number of players ruled out with injury and illness including both captain Clive Minshull and vice-captain Emma Cottell there were 1^st team debuts for Casper Volker and Ella Fisher in this matchup.

Glasgow started the scoring and despite City finding the basket regularly the visiting side were edging out to a comfortable lead. With a little Dutch influence, Glasgow were vastly improved since the last meeting showing a new attacking style that was working for them well. The quick ball movement left City’s defence struggling and Glasgow pulled out to a 5 goal lead with penalties and free passes.

City began a comeback though, a hat-trick from Heather Mackintosh brought the Citizens closer and Dan Pratt scored a tough chance to make it 10-12 however it looked as though a result was out of reach with the timer showing only 1m43s left of the game.

A quick goal in attack gave City hope and then an interception from Dan gave the Citizens hope of a dramatic finish. With less than 20 seconds to go the home side were being encouraged to shoot from the raucous crowd. A shot hit the basket but Finlay Hannah brought in the rebound and found Casper Volker in space, from around 6m Caspar steadied his feet and took aim, the shot dropping through the basket to ensure City remain unbeaten at home so far this season. The final whistle went right after the restart and the team celebrated a fantastic result.

Scorers: Dan Pratt (4), Heather Mackintosh (3), Finlay Hannah (2), John Bagnall, Caspar Volker, Elly Gaunt (1)

MVP: Heather Mackintosh

Edinburgh City 1 (15-12) Dundee 1

After the excitement of the first match, it would be difficult to maintain a high level in the final game of the day but City battled well throughout this one.

Dundee have also improved dramatically since the sides last met, with ex-Citizens Graham Robertson and Stella McNulty proving to be thorns in the side of their former club scoring 7 goals between them.

Another big performance from Heather Mackintosh eased City through this game and earned her a second MVP of the day, with John Bagnall leading the scoring at the other end to give both sections reliable attacking options. Ella Fisher also came off the bench to score her first goal for the 1s with a trademark one handed runner.

The game was tight throughout, but City’s composure held out and a couple of late goals ensured the win.

Scorers: John Bagnall (5), Dan Pratt, Heather Mackintosh (4), Ella Fisher, Ailith Ewing (1)

MVP: Heather Mackintosh

 

City 1 take on cross-town rival Mavericks

Edinburgh City’s first team headed out to Musselburgh for another all Edinburgh clash, this time against city rivals and current league champions Mavericks 1 and 2.

City had lost the opening fixture to Mavericks 1 back in September and were keen for payback. However, the close encounter between the two sides only two weeks prior meant that Mavericks 2 were going to be no easy pushovers and the Citizens knew they were in for two very difficult games.

Superb team spirit and attitude saw City come from behind to take a victory in another tight affair against Mavericks 2 but the strength of Mavericks 1 proved too much and the league champions were able to claim the win.

Edinburgh Mavericks 2 (9-11) Edinburgh City 1

Injury and illness meant that City had to start without this year’s club leading scorers. A damaged finger forced Dave Ewing out of the fixture while illness meant that Daniel Pratt was only fit enough for a place on the bench. This meant that Rob Stone made his City 1 debut starting the game in attack. Mavericks were able to take advantage of the inexperienced City side and ran into an early four goal lead. The match became a bit frantic as City looked to get back in the game but a well taken time out and the introduction of Dan from the bench, helped steady the side.

Both teams traded another two goals each meaning that Mavericks maintained their four goal advantage heading into the half-time break. However, City had the belief that they could come back and came out for the second half determined to take the game to Mavericks. Both sides traded another two goals but then City’s skill began to show through. Some smart shooting from Clive Minshull and a well taken goal from Michael Garbutt meant that City found themselves level with ten minutes to go. Another goal from Dan was added to by John Bagnall and City found themselves with a two goal lead heading into the final few minutes.

Mavericks ensured a nervous few minutes with a penalty goal but a well worked attack was finished off by Katrina Caldwell to ensure that City would leave with all the points. The team showed excellent fight and mental strength to come back from a four goal deficit and everyone could come off the court pleased with their performance.

Goals: Dan Pratt (4), Clive Minshull (3), John Bagnall, Katrina Caldwell, Michael Garbutt, Emma Cottell (1)

MVP: Dan Pratt

Edinburgh City 1 (6-28) Edinburgh Mavericks 1

The final game of the day saw City come up against current league leaders Mavericks 1. Mavericks had won all nine league games prior to this fixture, scoring an average of 30 goals per game so the City players knew that they would be in for a tough 44 minutes. However, buoyed by the spirited comeback victory in the last game, City went straight on the attack and were able to score from their very first shot of the game through Emma Cottell.

Mavericks responded to this shock by scoring the next three goals in quick succession. City responded with another goal of their own through John Bagnall and for a while threatened that they may have been able to cause the upset. Unfortunately, this was not to be and Mavericks strength showed as they were able to take a comfortable lead into half time.

Mavericks’ greater shooting percentage continued to pay dividends in the second half and they widened the margin. City kept fighting till the very end with John managing to bag himself a healthy tally of four goals in the game. After the game, Coach Dan commended the players on their effort and the citizens left knowing that they will continue to work hard and come back even stronger next time.

Goals: John Bagnall (4), Emma Cottell, Elly Gaunt (1)

MVP: John Bagnall

City march into SKA Cup bronze medal match

Ed City travelled to Dundee for the SKA Cup group stages, having been drawn against Edinburgh University B, Glasgow B, Edinburgh Mavericks A and Dundee Dragons.  With a mix of players across both Ed City squads playing on the day, the fans were eager to see how quickly this untested line up would gel.

The Citizens started the day against a young and energetic Edinburgh University side, who were keen to jump out to a fast start and take advantage of the shortened cup-style matches.  However, Edinburgh City’s experience and cool heads shone through as they always looked comfortable on their way to a 9-2 win.

Next up was an older (and debatably wiser) Glasgow B side, sporting a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh-faced beginners looking to keep their tournament hopes alive after a loss to Dundee in the first match.  However, another strong defensive display saw Ed City hold Glasgow to 2 goals, resulting in a 6-2 win and an impressive tally of only 4 goals conceded in the first 40 minutes of play.

Lying in wait for the third game of the day were tournament favourites Edinburgh Mavericks A, who were looking to build on their very strong form in the league.  Mavericks jumped out to a lightning-paced start, scoring 4 goals in the first two and a half minutes.  Edinburgh City showed good composure and began to find their feet in the match, however Mavericks were too strong and ran out 10-4 winners.

The loss to Mavericks took Ed City out of contention for the gold medal match, however it did mean that the final fixture against Dundee Dragons would decide who took second place in the group and entered the bronze medal fixture.  Dundee came into the game in high spirits after a strong showing coming within 3 goals of Mavericks A earlier in the day but it was Edinburgh City who jumped out to a quick lead, scoring 4 unanswered in the early stages of the game.  After this rapid start the scoring slowed, however City remained composed and kept a stranglehold on the game on their way to a 7-4 win, booking themselves a place in the 3rd/4th playoff.

Second team’s title aspirations dealt a blow

Edinburgh City’s second team faced off against Edinburgh University and fellow title-chasers Glasgow this weekend.

With ECKC having lost narrowly (6-7) away to Glasgow 2 not long ago, they were aiming to turn the tables at their home ground Broughton.

After comfortably seeing off Edinburgh University 3 in the opening fixture, a tight game against Glasgow 2 went right down to the wire but unfortunately a late surge saw City lose out again.

Edinburgh City 2 (12-5) Edinburgh University 3

In the first matchup, the Citizens faced a young University team who though inexperienced were keen to show they could compete. Edinburgh City took a little while to warm up, but Ella Fisher making her debut for the club helped to get the scoreboard ticking over with 3 goals, including one of her trademark one-handed runners.

A goal from the Citizen’s other debutant Robert Stone along with an impressive 4 goal haul from Chris Horsley gave City a comfortable lead that they never looked like letting slip. A late rally from the University side left the scoreline looking a little more respectable but our home team looked prepared heading into their next match.

Scorers: Chris Horsley (4), Ella Fisher (3), Michael Garbutt (2), Robert Stone, Lee Brodie, Laura Powell (1)

MVP: Ella Fisher

Edinburgh City 2 (6-8) Glasgow 2

This match was a back and forth affair, Glasgow began strongly and ran out to a 3-0 lead before City pegged them back to 3-3. Half time came and went with both sides taking turns to lead and then be drawn back. When City levelled at 6-6 it looked as though momentum would swing in their favour but despite a valiant effort Glasgow 2 took the points with two late goals that left the Citizens reeling.

A special mention should go out to defensive stud Michael Garbutt, he was given the tough assignment of keeping Glasgow’s hotshot Pat Merton out of the game and he did not disappoint. The two players had a great duel reminiscent of Patrick Beverley’s gritty performance against Russell Westbrook.

Whilst Mike may have won the battle by keeping Pat off the scoresheet, it is Glasgow 2 who are currently winning the war sitting atop the SKL2 table with 8 wins from 8 and crucially securing the head-to-head tiebreak should the two teams finish level at the end of the season.

Scorers: Chris Horsley (2) Michael Garbutt, Bob Mather, Laura Powell, Ella Fisher (1)

MVP: Chris Horsley

 

 

A tough weekend for the first team

Edinburgh City had an all-Edinburgh affair last weekend with matches against Edinburgh University and Edinburgh Mavericks 2.

With ECKC having suffered a heart-breaking defeat to Edinburgh University earlier in the season, they were aiming to pick up two wins here and continue their good run of form following two home wins in their last fixtures.

After a disappointing performance in the opening match saw ECKC lose out again Edinburgh University, the Citizen’s managed to do just enough to get pick up a win against Edinburgh Mavericks 2.

Edinburgh City (9-12) Edinburgh University

In the first matchup, the Citizens faced a hungry University team who were keen to build on their victory in the two teams’ previous meeting.  Edinburgh City struggled to get going in attack and found themselves unable to deal with the height and energy levels of the younger University side.

Five goals from Edinburgh University star Robyn Seabright helped to keep the University side in front throughout the game and Edinburgh City struggled to keep composure as the game began to slip away from them.

MVP: Heather MacKintosh

Edinburgh City (7-6) Edinburgh Mavericks

After a disappointing result in their first match, Edinburgh City were determined to secure a win against local rivals Edinburgh Mavericks 2.  The Citizens again struggled to take control of the game in attack and the game remained close as the two teams traded goals.

The second team showed little change from the first as both squads struggled to break down the defence of the other but Edinburgh City were able to retain more composure in this fixture and came out winners by one goal.

Scorers: John Bagnall (3), Andrea Kinver, Heather MacKintosh, Dan Pratt, David Ewing (1)

MVP: David Ewing

 

 

 

Firsts secure first double win of the season

Edinburgh City’s first team hosted their first home games of the season with fixtures against Saint Andrews and Glasgow.

Head coach Dan Pratt was eager to see how the team responded after the club’s Halloween night out the day before and was rewarded with two strong performances and the team’s first double victory of the season.

Edinburgh City (20-7) Saint Andrews

The first match of the day saw Elly Gaunt make season debut, whilst Heather MacKintosh made her first appearance for the first team.

Both teams started brightly, with the scores remaining close through the early stages of the game.  Saints’ Andrew Thirlwell continued his strong start to the 2017-18 season with 4 goals, however City’s experience soon shone through and they ran out comfortable winners with a first hat-trick of the season for Emma Cottell.

Scorers: Dan Pratt (6) David Ewing (5) Emma Cottell (3) Clive Minshull (2) Finlay Hannah, Elly Gaunt, Michael Garbutt, John Bagnall (1)

MVP: Emma Cottell

Edinburgh City (17-6) Glasgow

The next fixture saw City take on a Glasgow side coming fresh off of a bit of a scare in their match against Saint Andrews.

City took control of this match from the very start with a strong defensive display, which saw them shut down Glasgow’s key attacking threats and hold top scorer Calum Lindsay to two goals.  From there the game remained firmly in City’s control, with goals from 10 different players leading to a well deserved victory.

Scorers: David Ewing (4) John Bagnall, Elly Gaunt, Clive Minshull, Dan Pratt (2) Katrina Caldwell, Finlay Hannah, Heather MacKintosh, Ailith Ewing, Emma Cottell (1)

MVP: David Ewing

The seconds keep up their winning ways

Edinburgh City hosted their first home games of the season with the reserves taking on Saint Andrews 2 & Edinburgh University 2.

Another two wins kept the early season momentum going, but they had to fight a lot harder for these than last week’s encounters.

Edinburgh City (11-1) Saint Andrews

ECKC faced off against Saint Andrews for the second time in as many weekends, with a slightly different line-up City handed a debut to new signing Kitty Dutton, with Pip Hardy also making her first appearance of the season.

The game started very slowly with City playing extremely well in defence but struggling to adapt to a ‘3-1’ system. With much of the first half gone and only the one City goal on the board coach Pratt asked for a more fluid attack and it paid dividends immediately. Nina Murdoch was very much the catalyst for the offence, scoring a game high 5 goals against her former club and deservedly taking the MVP.

Scorers: Nina Murdoch (5) John Bagnall (2) Andrea Kinver, Finlay Hannah, Bob Mather, Laura Powell (1)

MVP: Nina Murdoch

Edinburgh City (8-5) Edinburgh University

The Citizens faced their hardest test of the new campaign against a hungry University side keen to replicate the 1^st team result earlier in the season. Edinburgh University rushed into a 4-2 lead and threatened to open the gap further with many of their attempts coming agonisingly close. Finlay Hannah took the game by the scruff of the neck, first scoring from the penalty spot before converting a tough chance behind the korf.

The game was evenly poised but an unfortunate injury to University’s Lasse Bullerbuyn swung momentum City’s way, with the home side scoring three unanswered goals to take the points on this occasion. A hard fought match from both sides and neutral fans will be looking forward to the next time these sides play.

Scorers: Finlay Hannah (3) John Bagnall (2) Laura Powell, Michael Garbutt, Andrea Kinver (1)

MVP: Michael Garbutt

 

City 2 start as they mean to go on

Edinburgh City’s second team began their defence of the SKL2 title against hosts Dundee and also took on Saint Andrews.

Two big wins and plenty of goals for City debutants meant that the season began as successfully as possible for the Citizens reserve side.

Edinburgh City (21-2) Saint Andrews

City gave debuts to Heather Mackintosh and Caspar Volker who were both facing their old side first up, with Anna Stewart also making her first appearance after signing from Edinburgh University.

As the scoreline suggests, the Citizens dominated this matchup with the City girls doing the damage. With 12 goals between them Anna and Heather proved too much to handle for the Saints.

Cameron Schoettle managed to score a couple of consolation goals for Saint Andrews but with City keeping the scoreboard ticking over this was never in doubt for last year’s champions.

Scorers: Anna Stewart (7) Heather Mackintosh (5) Laura Powell (4) Finlay Hannah (2) Caspar Volker, Bob Mather, Michael Garbutt (1)

MVP: Heather Mackintosh

Edinburgh City (22-7) Dundee

After a great first game, City again got off to a quick start. Bob Mather who had provided countless assists in the previous match turned goal scorer in this one and has beaten his tally from last season already.

City were supported well by Michael, Caspar and Finlay who top scored with 6 goals. It was Anna who got MVP in this match though, with some inspired rebounding to go along with what has to be a block of the season contender.

A great trip to start the new season and one that City 2 will hope to build from.

Scorers: Finlay Hannah (6) Bob Mather, Michael Garbutt (5) Caspar Volker (4) Anna Stewart (2) Laura Powell (1)

MVP: Anna Stewart

City 1 head to St Andrews

Edinburgh City travelled to the East coast of Fife to take on Saint Andrews and Edinburgh University.

After a good win against the Saints, City suffered defeat to a gritty Edinburgh University side who showed great determination despite being reduced to 7 players.

Edinburgh City (19-7) Saint Andrews

The first of two fixtures saw Nina Murdoch make her City debut against her old club, and as with City’s debutant last weekend also bagged herself a goal to kick-start the season.

Both sides began tentatively in this game with a slow start on the scoreboard, but once Dave Ewing found his range he was largely unstoppable ending the game with seven goals to add to his haul from last week.

Saint Andrews showed good spirit and solid games from Billy Brown and Andrew Thirlwell will give the hosts confidence going forwards as their star players will be critical over the rest of the season.

Scorers: Dave Ewing (7) Dan Pratt (4) John Bagnall, Emma Cottell (2) Clive Minshull, Katrina Caldwell, Finlay Hannah, Nina Murdoch (1)

MVP: Dave Ewing

Edinburgh City (10 – 14) Edinburgh University

City faced off against Edinburgh University and saw the return of Ella Paul who has joined the University side on loan for the season. Edinburgh University suffered an injury to key player Philip Cisneros in the warmup and were unable to replace him leaving them to play with 7 players.

The early exchanges were dominated by City, with Dan Pratt taking the rebound easily with no opposition. City lead 8-3 and were looking comfortable at the break but Edinburgh University came out fighting and with Ella and Thijs Lepelaar in particular playing incredibly smart, tactical korfball in defence which limited the chances in attack for City.

With the Citizens struggling to score, Edinburgh University made a spirited comeback to take the win which they thoroughly deserved.

Scorers: Clive Minshull (3) Dave Ewing, Emma Cottell, Katrina Caldwell (2) John Bagnall (1)

MVP: Emma Cottell