|
Just like last year Holland became the winner of the 17th U19JWC in Leek. This wasn't easy however. During the cross matches they had to win from Belgium, who stayed close to Holland during a large part of the game, and even took the lead during the second half. Only during the last 15 minutes Holland was able to take a decisive lead: 12-10.
The other finalist, Chinese Taipei had less trouble with England 6-13.
During the final, lead in a terrific way by referees from Belgium Mertens and Meeussen, Chinese Taipei was able to stay close to Holland during the first half making beautiful actions and much to the enthusiasm of the audience, resulting in 13-13 at the beginning of the second half. After that, tiredness got the best of the Asian players and it was easy for Holland to take a decisive lead, and winning by 26-16.
Belgium became third by winning form England by 17-15, in a game that was very attractive and the scores were every other one. The talent teams from North and East, as well as the Groningen Regioteam participated hors concours.
Final ranking; 1 Holland, 2. Chinese Taipei, 3. Belgium, 4. England, 5. Germany, 6. Czech republic, 7.Russia, 8. Hungary, 9. Portugal, 10. Poland, 11. Serbia.
Best male scorer: Dmitri Petrukhin of Russia: 22 goals
Best female scorer: Chinese Ya-Wen Li with 37 goals!
IKF President Jan Fransoo didn't only gave the trophy to the winning team. Just before the final he awarded Hans Vroegh from Oldeberkoop the Pin of Merit of the IKF for his great merits at the international korfball scene.
During the morning on Sunday, the tournament was suspended for almost an hour, as a spectator became unwell and was stabilized at the scene, before being transported to hospital.
The organization of the 17th edition was done by district North of the KNKV in close cooperation with Sparta Zevenhuizen, OWK Oostwold and Rodenburg Leek. |
In a packed sportscentre the final between the Netherlands and Chinese Taipei started very exciting. Both teams scored every other one during the first half. After the break Holland took the lead and stayed there. Despite the fierce battle of Chinese Taipei, and many unfinished chances, the Dutch team reigned and showed their class by winning by 26-16.
Before the final Holland-Chinese Taipei started the IKF made jury chairman Hans Vroegh the centre of attention. He received the Pin of Merit, given to him by IKF Chairman Jan Fransoo, the highest honour possible given by the IKF.
The tide seems to be turning in this tournament regarding the real korfball countries taking the first and second place in ranking. Belgium and England competed for the third place. The Belgians haven't played with a full strength team this tournament. One of their male players has an injury taking him out for four months. The selection is much smaller as well. This made it very hard for the available players these past three days. England is clearly profiting their new way in training they have developed the past years, and they played a good game for the third place. The Belgians were the winner at the end 15-17 and could return home, taking the third place of the U19 JWC 2012 with them..
The German team that faced bad luck and a difficult time this morning, decided to continue their tournament. The organization deeply respects this decision of the German Team. Germany had to compete the Czech Republic for the fifth place. Very soon it became clear that the German team could really concentrate again and they played decent korfball. With beautiful actions, the Germans were very accurate and scored, winning 9-6.
Somewhat later than expected, the match schedule of the U19 JWC is back on its original track. For the last time Poland, Portugal, Hungary and Russia play a game at this large-scale U19 JWC. These countries are still developing their korfball skills and their young teams have gained a lot of experience these past days in Holland and have learned a lot. This tournament has made them internationals all at once and that by itself is an honor. The very young team of Portugal won the game against Poland convincingly 4-9 ending up at the 9th place overall.
To both regional teams JTT East and the Groningen Regional Team nothing was at stake. Despite that fact, they made it an attractive game. Playing korfball freely it became obvious that there is a difference between a team composed of "talents" and a selection of regional players. The young talents from JTT East were stronger and came to a secure 14-4 victory.
