Asia Oceania Korfball Championship 2004
Christchurch - New Zealand 6-11 July 2004

Pioneer Leisure Centre - Lyttelton St - Spreydon

News Release - 11 July 2004 - Download PDF file

Final Day
Welcome to the sixth and final day of the 6th Asia Oceania Korfball Championships – the first ever international korfball event in New Zealand.

New Zealand vs Invitational Team
1pm Sunday

Final Chinese Taipei vs Australia
2.45pm Sunday

Match Report Chinese Taipei vs Australia
Australia scored two goals in the last minute yesterday to take a cliffhanger and give the Final today an extra edge. Australia last notched a win over Chinese Taipei 12 years ago, and there was a sense that both teams were holding something back for the Final.

Despite that, they managed to turn on the closest contest of the week - and among the most absorbing. Including veterans Helen Searle and Phil Sibbons in the starting eight, Australia matched their opponents goal for goal, but never actually took the lead until the 37th minute - something they only briefly held at that point and did not regain until the very end.

Slightly less intense than the corresponding fixture on Wednesday evening, there were still occasional moments of aggravation. Chien-Feng Hsu again impressed for Chinese Taipei, as did Rung-Kai Li. Australia jelled well, with Jessica May again showing that she is a class act. Pam Reynolds scored two late on, when it really counted, including the winner from in close - the nearest this tournament has yet come to a golden goal.

Match Report Chinese Taipei vs New Zealand
Chinese Taipei regained their winning style in their second game of the day, but the hosts continued to improve with their most cohesive display so far.

New Zealand managed to cut right down on the defensive errors that have cost them so dear the rest of the week, and with more creativity in attack, actually drew the second half of this match six apiece. But for some sloppiness by New Zealand just before half time, this might have been even closer.

Nick Muir put on another credible display, finding his shooting range well in the second half. Tim Asby enjoyed an even tussle for the rebound with veteran Inglish Huang. Anna Teen continued to look more and more assured, while Silvia Bangma again marshalled her team-mates effectively.

Chinese Taipei enters the final today as favourites. Although Australia will need a huge effort to take their Asian rivals' title, they have proved to themselves that at it may not be a totally impossible task.

Korfball in New Zealand
Korfball is currently played in Christchurch and Wellington, and soon to be starting in Auckland. For more information visit the website www.korfball.org.nz to find a game near you.