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

Pioneer Leisure Centre - Lyttelton St - Spreydon

News Release - 8 July 2004 - Download PDF file

Day Three
Welcome to the third day of the 6th Asia Oceania Korfball Championships. This is the first International tournament in New Zealand and runs through to the final day on Sunday.

Chinese Taipei vs New Zealand
6.45 Thursday
Tonight’s first match is between an experienced Chinese Taipei team and a young New Zealand team. Undefeated so far in this tournament, Chinese Taipei finished in 4th place at the 2003 World Championships and bring a wealth of experience and skills with them to this event.

Invitational Team vs Australia
8.15 Thursday
Australia takes on the Invitational Team at 8.15.

Match Report Australia vs Chinese Taipei
Last night saw an intense match between the two traditional rivals, with the match going to Chinese Taipei, holding out a strong second half fight-back by the Australians.

The teams spent the first chapter of the game trying to find position, and despite some prolonged attacks, particularly by the Asian champs, it was six minutes before they scored. Tempers threatened on three or four occasions and bodies were flying as Chinese Taipei built a solid 9-3 lead into half time and looked to be running away with it.

As the third quarter progressed, though, the Aussies found their rhythm and clawed it back to just a one goal deficit ­ late arrival to the tournament Jessica May, coming off the bench and helping to bring her team back into contention. After top scorer Chien-Feng Hsu left the court with a severe leg bruising it appeared the Australians might cause a boilover, but an impressive long shot from Chih-Wei Chen gave Chinese Taipei the impetus they needed to finish the contest ahead by 13-10.

Friday’s Trans-Tasman Clash
Friday night New Zealand and Australia face each other for the second time, followed by the Invitational Team taking on Chinese Taipei.

Spectators
Entry to the stadium to watch two games of international korfball is $5 a night or $15 for a season pass. Remember to pick up a programme at the stadium for information on how the game is played.