NEKL Kicks Off- Uni 1 vs Titans

NEKL action returned to the north east with Sunday's clash seeing a new look Newcastle 1 side taking on the Jesmond based side, Tyneside Titans.

Things got off to a good start with both sides scoring early on before a 25 minute deadlock kicked in. Chris Baker had the best chance to break the deadlock after winning a couple of penalties but couldn't convert either chance. After that the game meandered as Newcastle struggled to get their rhythm right and some outstanding defending at the other end led by new boy Harry Stokes meant Titans had no chance.

At the break the message was simple, "PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD SCORE!". We'd been making chances but couldn't quite finish it off and our defence was knackered as a result. With some fresh faces brought on we were ready to go again pretty quickly.

It appeared the message worked at half time, someone scored!! Unfortunately it was Titans and it sparked a 5 minute period that saw Titans take control of the game, sinking a couple of absolute beauties in probably their only dominant part of the game. Dutch wonder Evi Sengers did reply with a long range effort but we couldn't quite turn it around going forward and we succumbed to an unfair 10-2 loss.

There was lots to be positive about that, apart from scoring and a little bit of attacking structure, the foundations of a great team were clear to see. Which given only three of last years uni 1 NEKL regulars were playing was something quite special. Defensively, the level of blammage on display was definitely worthy of a #smashedit.

The team would like to thank everyone who came along to support! It was great to see everyone getting involved with the club and to see that korfball is indeed here to stay at Newcastle University. Hopefully you enjoyed it and if you fancy giving us a follow we're also on instagram and twitter @nclkorfball

MVP: Harry Stokes - the man was nothing short of superb

Line up:

Lottie Rhodes (c) 22

Blythe Day 15

Chris Baker 19

Jonny Howard 14

Evi Sengers 20

Rachel Holliday 23

Harry Stokes 42

Hyun Gyu Ku 17

Subs:

James Owen 26