The 2020 Korfball South Australia State League continued this weekend with Round 4. We’ve got six games to get through, so let’s get started!

Division 1

Arista v Flinders

The early Div 1 game this week saw Arista take on Flinders. Arista started off strongly, opening up as much as a 4 goal lead at times. However, a strong third quarter saw Flinders fight back and take a narrow lead, a lead which they threatened to hold to the final whistle. However, it wasn’t to be, with some late Arista goals closing the gap, with the match ultimately finishing in this season’s first tie. Nik Bungey paced Arista with 5 goals, while Andrew Hutchesson picked up 7 to lead Flinders and the match.

Glenelg v North

The second match of the round saw the developing Glenelg side take on reigning premiers North. The match started slowly, with Glenelg taking a surprising 4-2 lead into quarter time. However, after the break, North started to find their range, and the customary mid-range shots started raining in. While Glenelg kept pushing, it wasn’t to be, with North running out 27-9 victors. Sot Vardas, Craig Dawson and Tom Brown picked up 2 goals each to pace Glenelg, while Brandon Nagy scored 7 in reply for North.

North’s win sees them to the top of the ladder, while Flinders’ tie sees them fall a point back in second. Arista sit in third, a further point back, but are the only team with the bye to come. Boomers sit in fourth, 2 points back from Arista, while Glenelg sit in fifth with 3 points so far.

Division 2

North v Glenelg Black

The first of our Div 2 match-ups this week saw North take on Glenelg Black. North once again showed off their balanced attack, with 8 players getting on the scoresheet. A Glenelg side with plenty of youth struggled to counter that, and despite showing plenty of fight, went down 27-7. Ben Gluzkowski and Toni Bell picked up 2 apiece for Glenelg, while Aaron Sykes scored 6 to lead North and the match.

Flinders v Arista Yellow

Arista entered this match undefeated, while Flinders were coming off their first loss this season in the previous week. The experienced Arista side started strongly, and built up a lead. Despite plenty of positive signs for Flinders, they were unable to close the gap, as Arista, with 8 individual scorers, kept control of the match from start to finish. Arista picked up the win, 19-11. Craig Miller and Theresa Coletti scored 4 each for Arista, while Josh Warnock had himself a game with 6 goals for Flinders.

Arista Red v Boomers Green

In the tightest Div 2 match this round, Arista and Boomers had a good old-fashioned arm wrestle. Neither side was able to assert dominance, with even scoring for the whole match. Despite both sides having plenty of inexperienced players, neither team wanted to take a backward step, and the match was hard fought to the end. Ultimately, Boomers picked up the win 14-12, with the experience of Peter Corcoran being rewarded with 5 goals to lead Boomers and the match, while Michael Ferris and Sharni Lans helped themselves to 3 each for Arista.

Glenelg Orange v Boomers Purple

The final Div 2 game for this week saw a strongly developing Glenelg side take on this seasons sharpshooters, Boomers Purple. As was the case last week, the hot Boomers shooters seemingly could not miss at range, with three players all picking up 5 goals or more. On the other hand, Glenelg shared the scoring around, with 7 players all picking up at least one goal. However, Boomers’ accuracy was too much to overcome, as they picked up an 18-9 victory. Ben Walter scored 7 for the victorious Boomers, while Archie Cooper and Alyssa Booth picked up 2 each to pace Glenelg.

Arista Yellow remain the only undefeated team this season, although both Boomers Purple and North are only a game behind, both with superior goal difference too, which could prove interesting if Arista Yellow do drop a game. Boomers Green and Flinders are both on 8 points with a 2-2 record, with Arista Red and Glenelg Black a further game back. Glenelg Orange sit in eighth, with 4 points.

As clubs have been notified, matches for Round 7, August 23rd, have been moved to Heathfield High School. Any changes to match times can be found on the State League page, and a map of venue location can be found on any affected match page.

Matches continue this Sunday (August 9) with Round 5 at Titanium Security Arena. This round marks the halfway point of the regular season, and sees Div 1 complete their first full cycle. We look forward to seeing everyone out there, as we continue this condensed season.