BKA Cup vs Milton Keynes
9-9 Chris (2), Josh (2), Remco (2), Sian (2), Pam (1), Angharad, Donna, Kat, Ian, Rob
Unsurprisingly, given the big step up in class, the Dragons debut in the BKA Cup saw them eliminated at the first hurdle, but they put on an excellent display against some much more experienced opponents.
First up were the Milton Keynes Bucks, another fairly new team, but one with several players who had played a high level of korfball at former clubs, and a team that had swiftly become a dominant force in the Oxfordshire League. The first half was a little scrappy, with Dragons putting up more shots and showing good control around the post, but the Bucks managing to get past their markers more regularly. MK took the lead, a long shot sailing past Josh, before Sian equalised. Dragons again fell behind, only for Chris to level, but then saw 2 consecutive goals against them as the Bucks utilised their captain for 2 running in shots. Josh’s runner narrowed the gap to 4-3 at the half.
At half-time, Dragons made 2 substitutions, Angharad replacing Kat and Ian coming on for an under the weather Rob. With both new players contributing well, Dragons began to establish a stranglehold on the game. Although Milton Keynes were again able to re-establish a lead after Pam equalised, Sian soon brought the scores back to level, and then Josh produced another runner to give the Dragons their first lead. After another Bucks goal, Remco found his range to nail two long shots, and Cardiff deservedly lead 8-6. A rattled Bucks team took a time-out, and it clearly worked as they resumed much more threateningly. They swiftly reduced the deficit through ex Cardiff Uni player, John Howey. Dragons responded well, Chris seizing on a loose ball, stepping away from his marker and scoring from mid-court. But in the last few minutes, MK put the home defence under huge pressure, first grabbing a running in shot and then a penalty to go level. Both teams saw shots drop wide in the final seconds, but the game finished 9-9.
The game was to be decided on a sudden death penalty shoot out. Remco scored first for Dragons, MK equalised, and then Josh missed. Up stepped Katie for MK, and having seen her score 19 consecutive penalties in a summer tournament, hopes of her missing were not high. She duly did score, and sealed victory. It was the sort of game where both teams probably feel they should have won it, but after an excellent second half performance, Dragons can certainly feel a little unlucky.