The RSKV Erasmus korfball team were unable to pull off a surprise on Saturday. They lost 18-28 in a reasonably packed Woudestein sports centre in the Third Class J league against OZC, also from Rotterdam.
Fifth-place Erasmus had ten points from twelve matches before this game, seven less than OZC. Nevertheless, after five minutes René Meulmeester’s players had taken a 2-1 lead against fourth-placed OZC.
But after equalising, OZC went further ahead and Erasmus were unable to pull back their lead. Two periods of drought proved costly, especially when the controversial referee gifted OZC with a number of penalty throws. By half-time, Erasmus trailed 7-15.
Defence
In the second half, Erasmus once again had no answer to their opponent’s fast attacking game and blistering distance shots. The margin was never less than seven points. In the final phase OZC extended their lead to 28-18.
Economics student Matthijs Welten (26) blames the size of the defeat mainly on the defence. “We allowed our opponent too much space to pass the ball. Their feeder was also able to keep gaining possession under the korf. But at least we scored more goals than in the away match.” Erasmus lost that game 11-17.
A glass of beer
The Rotterdam students are certain of finishing fifth indoors and in doing so have achieved their objective. After their final match against Olympia, the outdoor competition will resume in March. There the Erasmus team are in an excellent second place, which entitles them to play in the play-offs for promotion to the Second Class league. Welten: “We’re going to do everything we can to keep that position. Compared with the indoor season, we’re in a relatively easy group.”
And the outdoor season offers still more advantages. “After the game, we can all enjoy a glass of beer in the sun,” muses the economics student.
