Great Britain U21 Korfball Team beat Catalans by Golden
Goal
In an exciting game against Catalonia, the Great Britain
U21 korfball won in golden goal extra time, therefore securing
a top four finish and achieving qualification for the 2008
World Youth Championships.
The Catalans scored with their first attack but within the
next 10 minutes Britain took a three goal lead. Everything
then seemed to come off of the rails for the British as their
discipline and shooting suddenly deserted them. Four penalties
and one long shot with only a solitary reply from Britain
meant that Catalonia held a slender 6-5 lead at the break.
Two quick goals in the opening minutes of the second half
gave the Catalans a 3 goal cushion but the British gradually
worked patiently back into the match. With 5 minutes to go
they equalised only to concede a penalty following a quick
throw-off by Catalonia. When the Catalans broke up another
British attack with under 30 seconds left everyone thought
it was over but with 17 seconds left their attack gave away
a re-start. The British played the ball into attack and, to
the surprise of everyone, did not take their first two shooting
opportunities. Instead they moved gradually closer and then
from about 6 m Natasha Woolmer slotted home the equaliser.
The clock stopped showing 3.4 seconds, which was enough for
the throw off and one pass before normal time was over.
Catalonia won the toss and started the golden goal period.
After just 9 seconds, British defender Dan Woolmer was heavily
flattened (for the second time in the match) and the British
had the ball. The player was substituted and helped to the
sideline. Play re-started and with 53 seconds of the golden
goal period gone, Britain was awarded a penalty. Before it
could be taken the medical personnel insisted that they be
allowed to cross the arena with a stretcher. After more than
6 minutes delay the player was lifted onto the stretcher and
taken across the arena and out to await an ambulance. Meanwhile
the British number 17 – Joe Bedford – had taken
himself to a corner where he strode up and down composing
himself before taking the penalty. This he did with supreme
confidence, especially when one considers the more than 7
minute delay. So Britain won 13-12 with this golden goal.
After losing consciousness, Dan Woolmer was taken to hospital.
The CT scan he had came back clear and he was released from
hospital early this morning. All British korfballers wish
Dan a speedy recovery.
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